An eight-year-old dog is looking for a new home through no fault of his own. His previous owner was forced to give him up due to a life-changing illness.

Newsweek spoke to volunteer Richard Adamonis of the West Milford Animal Shelter Society in New Jersey, who said, “Axel was surrendered by his owner who went blind. It’s been a tough time for Axel, but he’s come a very long way.”

Adamonis described Axel as a “great boy and personal favorite who needs a good, quiet home,” adding, “He will make a great, loyal companion dog for someone.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ National Rehoming Survey, pet problems are the most common reason owners give up their furry friends, accounting for 47 percent of dog rehoming and 42 percent of cat rehoming. Pet problems include problematic behavior, aggressive behavior, growing larger than expected, or health issues that the owner cannot manage.

However, this is not the case for the black and white American Staffordshire Terrier, who is described as a “quiet, cautious (and) shy type until he gets to know you.” He would fit best in a home without other pets or children.

On August 1, the shelter posted a series of pictures of Axel on Instagram (@west.milford.animal.shelter) with an excerpt from the caption that reads, “Axel was very scared for a while at the shelter. We gave him a chance to relax for a few months.”

Axel has been living at the shelter since April 27th, but now he’s ready and waiting for a place to call home. The caption says that an “empty nest” would be best for him so he can enjoy his golden years.

According to the American Kennel Club, the life expectancy of Axel’s breed is 12 to 14 years, which means whoever adopts him will have plenty of time to enjoy all his love.

Here are some tips from Dr. Pete Wedderburn, a veterinarian from Edinburgh, Scotland, who previously said Newsweek Five things owners can do to spend more time with their furry friends.

1. Feed them high quality food.
2. Give them supplements like Omega-3 to boost their immune system, promote healthy digestion, and support joint and bone health.
3. Provide mental stimulation, for example with puzzle toys.
4. Brush your dog’s teeth to prevent problems such as cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, pneumonia or gum disease.
5. Minimize stress by avoiding kenneling (if you are going on vacation) and arranging for a pet sitter if possible.

Do you have funny and cute videos or pictures of your pet that you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and he could appear on our Pet of the Week list.