📣8/19/25 Pupdate: Noble has been adopted! 🐾🙌

August 18, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director, and Noble, SPCA Shelter Dog

Noble is one of those dogs who, after seeing him at the shelter day after day, week after week, month after month, make SPCA staff and volunteers wonder aloud “Why is he still here?”

So rather than use this column to tell you in my words why you should rush down to the shelter and adopt him right now, I thought I’d let Noble tell his own story – as dictated to me in his room after closing, using hot dogs and head scratches for motivation.

Hi human! My name’s Noble. I know what you’re probably thinking when you see my photos: “Now that’s a happy dog. Someone must’ve scooped him up already.”

You’d think so, right? Lots of people say that. I’ve heard it more times than I can count at all of the adoption events I’ve attended: “You won’t have him long.” Or “He’s going to find his home soon.”

And yet, here I am. Still waiting.

I first came to the shelter back in March with my brother, Barnes. We were just little pups, unsure of the world but ready to explore it. Barnes was adopted quickly, who knows why since I’m way cuter, but I was happy for him. And I don’t sit around missing him; I’ve made plenty of new friends since – but I’m still waiting for my own person to come along and take me home.

The nice people here say I’m “wicked smart” since I’ve learned so much since being here; tricks like sit, spin, roll over, crawl, and even “sit pretty.” What can I say? I’m a quick study and eager to please!

If there’s one thing I love, it’s being with people. Take me anywhere and I’ll happily ride along, wagging my tail, and greet everyone I meet with a smile. I’ve been the star guest at Savannah River Brewing, Dover Saddlery, Good Girl Brewing, PetSmart, and more and the people who take me always tell me I’m “such a good boy!”

And you know what? I had a blast every time. I got head scratches, belly rubs, and so much attention. But each night, I came back to my kennel instead of to a new home.

I really don’t get it. I’m only about 8 months old, I’m friendly, goofy, smart, and learning more every day. I’ve never met a stranger and I love other dogs and kids! They say I can be a little rough in play, but I tend to listen well when corrected.

I’m just as happy going on a trail walk as I am lounging on the couch for movie night. Adventure buddy? Couch potato? I can be both. My only one, small, barely-worth-mentioning fault? Cats. They’re a nope for me. Hard pass. But hey, I’m a dog!

I spend my days at the shelter playing in the yard, practicing tricks with my caretakers, and winning over everyone I meet with my big, goofy smile.

So why am I still here? That’s the question everyone keeps asking. With my charm, brains, and heart, why, after all this time haven’t I been adopted into my forever home?

I’m crossing my paws for that one person, or one family, to look past all the “someone will adopt him soon” comments and realize they’re the one who gets to.

I’m ready to be the one who greets you at the door, rides shotgun on errands, learns new tricks to show off at parties, and curls up next to you after a long day. And since I’ve clearly mastered writing, I think my story is ready for its next chapter. Could you be the one to write it with me?

Come meet me at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare in Aiken. I’ll be the one grinning from ear to ear, tail thumping against the kennel, ready to love you forever.

Noble is a clever, goofy, and very adoptable dog waiting at the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. When he’s not busy writing articles in exchange for hot dogs and head scratches, he enjoys meeting new friends, practicing tricks, and dreaming about the family who will finally take him home.