A Journey of Patience and Hope
Meet Naco, a 9-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix with a heart full of love and a smile that could melt anyone’s heart. Since 2018, Naco has been living at the Animal Defense League (ADL) of Texas, patiently waiting for a family to call his own. Despite his easygoing personality, Naco has spent over 2,500 days in a shelter, something that seems impossible for such a sweet and loving dog.
When Naco first arrived at ADL, he was found wandering along Nacogdoches Road, with no microchip and no signs of injury. He was just a lonely pup in search of love, and unfortunately, he has yet to find that forever home.

Naco’s Loving Personality Shines Through
What makes Naco truly special isn’t just his adorable smile or his love for sunbathing — it’s his heart. Naco is a no muss, no fuss kind of guy. He’s laid-back and independent, enjoying the simple things in life like lounging in the yard and soaking up the sun. When Naco isn’t basking in the warmth, he loves to play with toys or relax in a quiet corner.
He’s also great with people and gets along well with other dogs. But Naco is a little picky when it comes to sharing his space. He does best as the only pet in a household and doesn’t enjoy being around small children. He just wants a calm and comfortable home where he can feel secure and loved.

The Struggle: Why Hasn’t Naco Found a Home?
Despite being a friendly, easygoing dog, Naco has been overlooked by adopters for nearly seven years. Why? Well, part of it might be his muscular build — Naco weighs around 70 pounds and is strong on the leash. At first, he may seem intimidating, but once you get him away from the noise of the shelter, his personality shines. Naco is sweet, gentle, and loves to be the center of attention.
Another reason might be that Naco is a bully breed. Many shelters report that these types of dogs, despite their loving nature, often get overlooked due to misconceptions or breed biases. But Naco doesn’t care about labels; all he wants is someone who sees him for who he is: a goofy, affectionate dog who deserves a chance at happiness.
Naco’s Perfect Home: A Place to Relax and Be Loved
While Naco’s time in the shelter hasn’t been easy, he’s maintained a hopeful spirit. His ideal home would be one where he could enjoy his love of sunbathing, relaxed walks, and peaceful downtime. Naco would love a home with a yard, where he can lay out and enjoy the fresh air. He’s not picky about his environment; he just needs a safe, loving space where he can truly thrive.
If someone with a quiet household and a yard could offer Naco a forever home, he would be the happiest dog alive. Naco doesn’t need much to be happy — just a little bit of attention, some playtime, and a spot to call his own.

Naco’s Journey: From the Shelter to a Loving Home
Though Naco’s journey has been long, there’s hope on the horizon. With each passing day, his story continues to touch hearts everywhere. Last year, Naco’s plight even went viral, with Newsweek covering his six-year shelter stay. His story is helping raise awareness about the many dogs like him who are still waiting for homes.
While Naco still hasn’t found his forever family, his story reminds us that every dog, no matter their age or breed, deserves a chance at love and happiness. Naco’s patience, resilience, and ability to smile through it all are a testament to the incredible bond between humans and dogs.
How You Can Help Naco
If you are looking to adopt a dog who will bring joy, love, and loyalty into your life, Naco could be the perfect companion for you. If you’re unable to adopt, consider donating to Animal Defense League of Texas or spreading the word about Naco’s story. Every little bit helps in finding these deserving dogs a home.
Let’s help Naco find the love he’s been waiting for all these years. Together, we can make his dreams of a forever home come true
