Shelter Dog Gets His Own Pool, But He Still Prefers His Bucket

“Centaur is a certified weirdo” 😂

Water pails sit around Austin Animal Center’s play yards and dog kennels, ready to be used for cleaning. But when Centaur looks at the buckets, he sees a special place reserved just for him.

The eccentric dog arrived at the shelter as a stray on St. Patrick’s Day and has since amused the staff with his antics.

“Centaur is a total jerk,” Austin Animal Center marketing and communication program manager Kelsey Cler told The Dodo. “Because he’s smart and full of energy, he’s starting to struggle in the shelter the longer he stays.” He enjoys playing fetch, and once he’s exhausted his energy, he’s a big cuddler.”

Centaur first discovered his beloved bucket in early May, during a rare heat wave in Texas. Cler speculated, “I think he just wanted to cool off his tootsies in the water.”

When the shelter shared a photo of the 4-year-old dog in the bucket on Facebook, viewers quickly organized a campaign to get Centaur his very own kiddie pool. They gladly obliged, believing that the puppy would be delighted to have more room to splash around in.

His reaction, however, was not what they expected.

Even with the pool available, Centaur preferred his bucket. After all, it was just the right size. “Some of you (reasonably) suggested getting Centaur a pool when we posted him a few weeks ago,” Austin Animal Center wrote on Facebook. “It turns out Centaur is a certified oddball… “Come get a dog with personality!”

Centaur has finally warmed up to his kiddie pool and divides his time evenly between it and the bucket a month later. Cler stated, “He absolutely loves the pool now.” “He particularly enjoys bobbling for treats in the pool and, of course, rolling in the dirt when he gets out.”

“[But] even with a pool available, he still likes to go in the bucket,” she added.

Centaur is a loving, happy-go-lucky dog, but despite his charms, he has yet to find a forever family. The shelter staff is hoping that the right match will come along soon and provide Centaur with the forever home — and forever pool — he so richly deserves.

“He’s looking for an active family to take him on adventures,” Cler explained. “His energy level and bounciness may be a bit much for small children.” Whoever adopts him will get the funniest, goofiest boy!”