For some dogs, finding a forever home takes a long time, and requires some creativity on the part of the people trying to place the pups. That’s why a humane society in Indiana is going the extra mile with its clever “Where’s Waylon” project to help a rescue dog get adopted.
Waylon Is Waiting
Waylon was surrendered to the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) in April 2021 because his parents could no longer care for him. He has been waiting over 600 days to find a forever home, despite having a “zest for life.”
“Waylon has such a big heart and knows how to make just about anyone feel loved. Many staff and volunteers say that the highlight of their day is spending time with Waylon,” Suzanne Yoder, the HSHC’s senior director of marketing, told People.
Waylon’s ideal home would be with adults only and sans small dogs or cats. A large dog sibling might be acceptable, depending on if the dogs met ahead of time and got along. As a people-lover, Waylon would do best if his parent worked from home.
“Waylon’s absolute favorite thing in the world is spending time with his people,” Yoder said. “He would give anything to cuddle up on the couch, hop in the car and take a walk around the park with his humans.”
And yet, with shelters overwhelmed with animals right now, many dogs are facing long waits for forever homes. Yoder also said that Waylon may be the victim of breed discrimination.
“Waylon represents a large number of animals in shelters across the United States that look like a Pit Bill mix when they are actually twelve different breeds,” Yoder said. “No matter the combination of breeds they are, these dogs typically wait longer for a home due to breed discrimination and misperception.”
Humane Society Tries Creative Marketing Tactic
In order to change the public perception of Waylon and to raise his profile, the HSHC decided to try a “Where’s Waylon” project. It involved dressing the pup up as the titular character from the popular “Where’s Waldo?” books, complete with a striped shirt and spectacles.
“We knew somewhere out there Waylon has a family, but like Waldo, he was getting lost in the crowd,” Yoder explained.
So every week, a giant cutout of Waylon donated by Strategic Wealth Designers visits different local businesses. Customers are urged to take a selfie and hashtag it #whereswaylon to spread the word on social media about this dog’s need for a home.
The PR stunt seems to be working, as Waylon now has multiple adoption applications.
“We want to ensure that this time he is going home forever, so we are being vigilant in searching for his perfect people,” Yoder said.
To learn more about Waylon or apply to adopt him, visit his web page here.
