Shelter's record-holder dog Pennu finds a home after four years
A dog named Pennu, who spent a record 1,497 days at a Tartu animal shelter, was adopted this spring by a longtime volunteer. She had worked with him for three years before deciding to make him her own.
A dog named Pennu spent a record 1,497 days — just over four years — at the Tartu homeless animal shelter before finally finding a permanent home this spring with Elizabeth Kaldvee. Anniko Mölder, the shelter's executive director, said this is the longest stay on record and likened it to the kind of bad luck people sometimes experience in life.
Elizabeth has volunteered at the shelter for seven years, but her bond with Pennu didn't form instantly. She first noticed him while working with a different dog kept nearby, and at the time paid him little attention beyond tossing him treats. She only began taking him on walks about three years ago.
Pennu ended up at the shelter after biting another dog and a child. According to Mölder, the child likely got caught in the middle of a conflict between two dogs, and the previous owner decided he could not take responsibility for such an aggressive animal. Staff at the shelter found that Pennu had received little training — he didn't listen to commands, wasn't used to a leash, and had minimal contact with people.
Elizabeth worked with him gradually, and the effort paid off: earlier this summer the pair took part in a dog show alongside dozens of other animals, where Pennu performed well. Elizabeth recalled that she had previously grown attached to another shelter dog, Bruno, whose adoption by another family left her so upset she stepped away from volunteering for three months. With Pennu, things were different — at some point she realized she didn't want anyone else to adopt him, because she wanted him to become her own dog.
Since moving in, Pennu has been adjusting to his new home. He was already familiar with sitting on the couch, though getting him into the shower required some coaxing. Elizabeth describes him as friendly and easygoing with her friends.
The shelter's current record for longest stay belongs to a dog named Kaari, who has been there for 663 days. Staff describe her as selective about who she likes, requiring patience and treats to win her trust — but say she will make a devoted companion for whoever succeeds.
