A 55-pound dog named Jazzy has been living at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter since Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and she's still waiting for someone to take her home.
Jazzy is 3 years old. She walks nicely on a leash, knows "sit" and "lay down," and has a knack for helping shy dogs build confidence. When she gets excited, she does what shelter staff call her signature "jazz hands." She's friendly with people and other dogs.
According to the shelter's feature in Stu News Newport, Jazzy has drawn almost no adoption inquiries since arriving nearly two and a half years ago. The outlet featured her in its recurring "Pet of the Week" column on both June 29 and July 6, hoping the extra exposure would connect her with a family. So far, no takers.
July 4 influx puts more pressure on the shelter
The holiday weekend made Jazzy's situation more urgent. Police made 402 arrests over the July 4 weekend as thousands descended on the Balboa Peninsula in what authorities described as a social media-fueled gathering, according to the Guardian. The Newport Beach Fire Department responded to 102 emergency incidents on Saturday, July 4, including 10 fires.
The chaos extended to animals. The shelter reported a surge of new arrivals over the holiday weekend, meaning more dogs competing for kennel space, staff attention, and supplies. Jazzy, already the longest-resident dog, now shares the facility with even more animals waiting for homes.
Staff said the shelter is burning through towels at a pace they can't sustain alone.
"Due to the influx of animals over the July 4th holiday weekend, the shelter is going through towels quickly," the shelter said in a post published by Stu News Newport. Bath towels and beach towels, new or gently used, are all welcome.
Residents can drop off towel donations at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter, 20282 Riverside Drive.
How to meet Jazzy
Shelter staff described Jazzy as a dog who has spent "far too long watching other dogs find homes while she patiently waits for her turn." They're asking Newport Beach residents to look past her length of stay.
To schedule a meet-and-greet, call the shelter at 949-718-3454 or email [email protected].
