gino

Three year old Gino has been waiting since July 2025 for someone to call his own. Far too many days have passed without a family to love him, a couch to call his own, or a person to wake up beside each morning.

Imagine being found alone along the Ohio Turnpike, with sore paws and ticks covering your body, and having no one come looking for you. That’s how Gino’s story began. Local police picked him up as a stray and he came to ARF in July 2025. We don’t know how this sweet boy ended up on the highway. We don’t know why no one came searching for him. And after all this time, we simply cannot understand why he’s still waiting for a family to call his own.

What we do know is that Gino has a heart full of love, a smile that lights up a room, and enough goofy charm to make even an ordinary day feel like an adventure. At ARF, Gino has been nothing but sweet and super friendly with everyone he meets. He’s even had the opportunity to visit senior residents at an assisted living facility, sharing his sunshine with people who could use a little extra joy. He also spent time at Houndstown USA romping around with new canine pals during their doggy daycare hours. That’s just Gino being Gino: spreading happiness wherever his paws take him. And those paws? They’re ready to take him HOME.

We asked the volunteers who know and love Gino to tell us what makes him so special. Their words say it better than we ever could:

“Gino is an absolute cuddle bug! He's such a great dog with such a big heart. He loves his treats and playing with his toys. He is so deserving of a wonderful home that will spoil him like he deserves.”

“He radiates positive energy! It's so obvious in his kind eyes, giant smile, and happy tail. It's this positive energy that makes him strong and confident. He loves his people and can't wait to spend time outside with them, and consistently pauses to enjoy the moment by rolling in the grass or splooting way out. When he does this, he's taught me to take time and do the little things that make me pause and reflect too. He's joy on a leash and no matter what kind of day I may be having, his positive energy is contagious! I absolutely love him.”

“There's so much to say about Gino. He has it all! He's a gentle soul who loves to sit close and enjoys the one on one attention, whether it’s in a room on a cold day on blankets or outside in the sunshine enjoying the sights and sounds and rolling around in the grass. He loves "sniffaris" (outdoor time sniffing all of the plants and trees) and keeping his nose to the ground, but he is also an athlete and makes a great buddy to do the mile run with. He loves to play! He loves all toys, but especially a his ball that he has the best ever soccer moves with. He loves going for car rides and is a great passenger. He loves watching out the front window. He does expect to be lifted in the car. He also enjoys his food and naps. He will make a great companion to a lucky family!”

“He’s such a handsome boy!! He loves his treats and he loves to play soccer. He’s very smart. He knows sit, down and look. Gino loves other dogs. He enjoys sniffing and rolling in the grass. Of course he loves being pet and being told he’s the most handsome boy ever! I really can’t say enough about that guy! He’s so lovable and fun! He’ll make a great addition to a lucky family.”

“He's super friendly, loves to play with balls, roll in the grass, and get belly rubs.”

“He's a lovable goofball! He's a social butterfly. He spreads joy wherever he goes.”

“Gino is happy go lucky boy who is always ready for walk or cuddles in the yard. He seems to love everybody!”

So, why is Gino still waiting? Since July 2025, Gino has watched dozens of dogs leave ARF with their new families. He has watched them get chosen, loved, and welcomed home.

And he is still here.

We cannot tell you more his past, but we can tell you about the dog he is today. He's affectionate, playful, smart, social, and full of life. Gino is an enthusiastic walking buddy! He can be strong on the leash because he's always excited to see what adventure awaits. He'll benefit from a family ready to help him channel that enthusiasm as he explores the world. He adores other canine pals (both large and small). Because Gino is not a fan of cats, he needs a cat-free home.

Gino doesn't need just anyone. He needs HIS person. Maybe you've been thinking about adopting a dog. Maybe your home has room for one more. Maybe you've been waiting for a dog who will make you smile every single day.

Please don't scroll past Gino because he's been waiting so long. Don't assume someone else will come for him. Don't let another day pass without giving this wonderful boy a chance to meet you.

Come meet Gino. Spend some time with him. Toss him a ball, give him a cuddle, and see for yourself what his volunteers already know: this boy is a gem. His story started on a lonely stretch of highway. It shouldn't end with him growing up in a shelter. Let's give Gino the ending he deserves: a loving home, a family to call his own, and a forever person who will never leave him wondering when his turn will come.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A meet-and-greet is required for all shelter dogs if you already have a dog. Thank you for considering the adoption of a shelter animal in need!