Border Collie Ben has been looking for a loving home for years!

Border Collie Ben has been looking for a loving home for years!

Ben, the border collie mix, has been waiting for a new home at the Tornow animal shelter for over two years. Despite his initial behavioral problems, the handsome male has now developed into a sociable and friendly animal. In May 2025, Ben celebrated his third birthday and is now ready for a home where he will be given the attention and patience he needs to thrive.

A heart for dogs

Ben is a healthy dog ​​weighing 23 kilograms and standing about 50 cm high at the shoulder. But there is a small downer: he suffers from osteoarthritis in one toe. Nevertheless, he can get along well with other dogs, but needs a quiet environment without children. He was taken into the animal shelter in February 2023 from a foster home run by an animal protection association, where he hoped to find a new home. Anyone interested can contact those responsible directly at the animal shelter's telephone number to arrange a visit. According to [Moz], there have been no requests for Ben for over two years - a truly sad record for such a loyal companion.

Ben's preferences and characteristics

The versatile four-legged friend is neutered, dewormed, vaccinated and chipped. He has a preference for fresh wet food and is downright picky when it comes to his choice of food. The animal shelter is therefore looking for experienced dog owners who can offer him the time and activity he needs so that he can develop to his full potential. It's important to build trust because, as [Maz] notes, some shelter dogs have difficulty integrating.

In addition to Ben, there are several other animals at the shelter looking for a home. The two-year-old Border Collie Runa is also looking for a new home. She came to the animal shelter because her family was overwhelmed and needs experienced owners who can handle her temperament. Other animal roommates, such as five-year-old yellow-cheeked Thaigo and six-year-old Ocicat Agathe, are also hoping for a loving home.

The situation in German animal shelters

The challenge is not just local. According to estimates, around 80,000 dogs end up in German animal shelters every year - a total of around 300,000 animals live in these facilities. Various factors lead to the surrender of pets: moving to pet-unfriendly apartments, separations or even health problems of the owners are common reasons. After the corona pandemic, the surrender of animals increased again, which further aggravated the already tense situation in animal shelters. A study shows that 25% of those who adopt from a shelter later feel overwhelmed.

But there are ways to help animal shelters: be it through adoptions, donations or volunteer work. Help is urgently needed because many facilities are struggling with financial and personnel shortages.

In times when many people's lives are changing, it is important to take responsibility for animal companions. If you would also like to offer an animal like Ben a new home, then do not hesitate to contact the Tornow animal shelter and arrange a visit. Your support can make all the difference to an animal in need.