October 29, 2026, 5:14 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Since 2019, Malinois mix Phex has been waiting for a home at the Tornow animal shelter, but so far, not a single serious inquiry has been made. The male dog, who was about four years old at the time, is now around eleven. With each passing year, his chances of being adopted diminish, leading his caregivers to fear that Phex may never leave the shelter.
After His Owner’s Death, Phex Came to the Shelter
Phex arrived at the Tornow animal shelter in 2019 after his owner passed away. Little is known about his previous life. According to the shelter, he was previously kept as a chained dog. Initially, the male dog was extremely skeptical of strangers. He needed a lot of time to build trust. Additionally, he had a knack for overcoming seemingly secure boundaries. The shelter describes him as a “little acrobat” and a skilled escape artist.
Over the years, Phex has become calmer. His caregivers have worked with him consistently. Today, he knows the basics of dog training, enjoys learning, and is enthusiastic about shared activities. However, this has not changed his challenging adoption situation.
Also of interest: These Animals Stay in Shelters Forever, and Here’s Why
Seven Years Without a Serious Inquiry
Other dogs came, were adopted, or found a permanent home after detours. Phex remained. According to Maria Erler, the first chairperson, there hasn’t been a single serious inquiry for him in seven years. Initially, his distrust of strangers and his high demands for care and security likely made adoption difficult. Now, his age is also a factor.
The sobering result after the dog boom
These Animals Stay in Shelters Forever and Here’s Why
When Animals Stay in Shelters for Years
How many dogs or other animals in Germany ultimately die in shelters without being adopted is not recorded nationwide. However, the issue of hard-to-adopt animals remaining in shelters for extended periods is a well-known problem.
According to a survey by the German Animal Welfare Association, 74 percent of the shelters surveyed in 2024 reported that an increasing number of sick animals ended up with them, which made finding a new home difficult. As a result, many spaces remained occupied long-term. Dogs with problematic behaviors could also be harder to adopt. At the same time, shelters were already heavily burdened in many places. Sixty-nine percent reported their shelter was very heavily burdened, 49 percent were full or even overcrowded. Only 18 percent had capacity to take in more animals.
For animals that cannot be adopted over the years, this can mean that the shelter becomes their permanent home. Phex is an example of this. The male dog is now about eleven years old. How much time he has left is unpredictable. With increasing age, adoption is unlikely to become easier.
Also of interest: “Better 8 Hours Alone at Home Than in a Shelter?” Why That Doesn’t Help Dogs
The Shelter Expects His Death
At the shelter, Phex is cared for, engaged, and accompanied by familiar people. He has lived there since 2019. His caregivers still hope that Phex can leave the shelter. At the same time, they acknowledge how serious the situation has become: “We assume he will die in the shelter.” For Phex, this means the shelter is no longer a temporary stop but likely his final destination.