Chattanooga, Tennessee - A dog named Cheeks has been stuck at the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for more than 600 days, and that's only the beginning of his sad story.

A six-year-old pooch named Cheeks has unfortunately become a fixture at the McKamey Animal Center and has been there longer than any other animal.

Lauren Mann, director of advancement at the center, told Newsweek that Cheeks was originally surrendered to the shelter in January 2022 because his former owner couldn't take care of him.

Mann describes Cheeks as a "sweet and happy guy, who loves meeting new people."

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Unfortunately, Cheeks' luck is nowhere near as good as his personality.

"He has been adopted and returned twice, due to no fault of his own," Mann explained. She says his failure to find a new forever home comes down to his "picky personality with other dogs" and the fact he is a pretty large pup.

"We are in the midst of a sheltering crisis nationwide, where people are sadly just not adopting as frequently as they used to," Mann added.

After 600 days of shelter life, Mann worries that Cheeks is developing kennel depression.

"Kennel depression happens when animals who are adoptable, are sitting and waiting much longer than they should," she said.

"Cheeks used to pop up and greet you at the door to his kennel area right away, now he doesn't always," she continued.

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"It's very sad to see him so depressed."

The shelter team is hoping Cheeks will find a forever home soon so his hope and joy in life is restored.