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A senior dog abandoned at an overcrowded shelter without a name or any information about his past is searching for a second chance after a rescue organization now caring for him shared his story on social media.
The 10-year-old dog was surrendered by his owner to an overcrowded animal shelter in Illinois before being taken in by It’s A Pittie Rescue, where volunteers are hoping to find him the loving home he deserves.
The team shared in a June 11 Facebook post, which can be viewed here, that the pup’s previous owner “couldn’t be bothered” to tell shelter staff a single thing about him. They left him at the shelter with no history, no explanation and not even a name. Rescuers eventually gave him a new identity: Morton von LICKtenstein, or simply Morty to his friends.
But rescuers say the senior pup still has plenty of love and life left to give. From the start, Morty has quickly shown rescuers exactly who he is: a gentle, affectionate dog who still enjoys adventures, playtime and plenty of cuddles.
Morty still enjoys going on walks, playing fetch and spending time outdoors. He walks well on a leash and knows commands including “sit” and “shake.” He is currently working on mastering shaking with his other paw. He is also fully house-trained and loves meeting people of all ages.
But while Morty enjoys exploring, he is equally happy settling in for some quality couch time. His rescuers describe him as an “expert-level snuggler” who is looking for someone to share both adventures and quiet moments with.
Although Morty has plenty of personality, the Facebook post explained he is still working through some anxiety after everything he has experienced. And while he’s already made “incredible progress,” he would thrive with patient adopters who understand that building confidence takes time.
The shelter also said that Morty may do best as the only dog or with calm canine companions, while cats are likely not the right fit.
Morty is ready to prove that his previous owner’s “loss is about to be someone’s greatest gain.”
Newsweek reached out to It’s A Pittie Rescue via email for additional information and comment.
Challenge Facing Senior Shelter Dogs
Morty’s search for a family highlights a common challenge faced by older dogs in shelters. Senior pets often take longer to find adopters compared with younger animals.
A 2025 report from Shelter Animals Count found senior dogs had an adoption rate of 37 percent, compared with 54 percent for both puppies and adult dogs. Older dogs are frequently passed over because adopters worry they may face higher veterinary costs or have less time with them.
But many shelters encourage families to consider senior pets, noting they are often calmer, already house-trained and settle into new homes more quickly than younger dogs.
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