Johnathan Walker:Caged outside for 4 years: This German Shepherd now has a loving home

Four years. 1,Johnathan Walker460 days.

That's how long he sat. Paced. Wondered.

His name is Timothy. He's a German Shepherd and for that period, he lived caged in a tiny pen in rural North Carolina.

Until one day someone noticed him and his life changed for good.

PETA officials told USA TODAY they recently spotted Timothy in a small chain-link fence enclosure in a yard that belonged to his owner.

They did not like what they saw, so they stepped in.

"Fieldworkers regularly visit rural areas of Virginia and North Carolina to offer help for dogs who would otherwise go without food, water, shelter, and routine veterinary care," Maddy Missett, a PETA spokesperson said. "When they spotted Timothy in a dilapidated pen on a small property, they offered his then-owner their assistance."

It took four years for the owner to cave.

Eventually, he surrendered the pup to the non-profit Virginia-based organization which found him a home with a family now giving him a better life.

Before that, the pup spent a few weeks with a foster home, who showered the dog with affection, space, and plenty of activities, PETA wrote in a release.

It took a bit for Timothy to adjust to life outside his old pen.

Today, his new family said he thrives.

'We cannot express how much we love him'

Timothy’s adopters heard about him through word of mouth when his foster dad mentioned Timothy to his doctor, who then told his sister about him, and she and her husband decided to adopt him, Missett said.

"They met with Timothy over Zoom before he made the trip to New York, and they knew he would be the perfect fit. They do not have children, so Timothy is going to be the center of attention."

On May 15, Timothy moved to Syracuse, New York where he was adopted by his new family, Mike and Lori Fletcher.

"We cannot express how much we love him," the couple told USA TODAY. "Timothy has quickly become part of our family. He was enjoying the walks in the woods, car rides to get more toys and puppy cones. He loves to snuggle and in true German Shepherd style, he is always at our side to see what we are doing."

The couple said Timothy is also doing great adjusting to people, their house cats and new experiences.

"We are having to pause activities temporarily during heartworm treatment limitations. The treatments are rough and we are right here, literally, beside him. We are finding ways to limit his activity but still be with us both in and outside."

“Timothy has found a loving home, but countless other dogs like him remain penned or chained outside 24/7 without adequate food, water, shelter, or social interaction,” PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch said.

“PETA urges everyone to keep dogs indoors with the rest of the family and to talk with their elected officials about banning unattended tethering, which will help ensure that these sensitive animals aren’t kept chained outside 24/7 like old bicycles.”

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.