Muncie's animal shelter rescued six dogs from Hurricane Irma. Only one remains.

EDITORS NOTE: Mason has been adopted since this story was published. Read that story here.

MUNCIE, Ind. — For four months, a pit bull mix named Mason has slept inside the tight quarters of a kennel at Muncie's animal shelter.

Mason has an interesting backstory, one five other pit bull mixes share. Only they've left the shelter for the comfort of a loving home. Mason is still waiting for his chance.

► ADOPT MASON FOR $5: Muncie's animal shelter will hold promotion Jan. 8

To be fair, the 60-pound, 3-year-old pooch is in a much better place than he would have been, thanks to Amanda Litviak, adoption counselor at Muncie Animal Care and Services. She has a special place in her heart for pit bulls. She owns a couple herself.

When Hurricane Irma stirred along Florida's coast, that state's animal shelters filled up at an alarming rate. Litviak said she saw on the news that shelters were even euthanizing dogs in advance to make room for the incoming pets they'd receive after the storm's passing.

So, she sprang into action. She reached out to MACS executive director Phil Peckinpaugh, who told her Muncie's shelter had room to take in six pit bull mixes. Litviak coordinated with a rescue in Hillsborough County, Florida. With the help of some volunteer drivers, six dogs were saved from being euthanized and were transported to Indiana.

"It's pretty crazy that it happened," Litviak said. "But I'm so glad it did."

► HEARTWARMING STORY: Dog returns home after running away during tornado

Mason is the last of those six still residing in the local shelter, and he has suffered effects from his drawn-out stay, according to Litviak.

"We try to make our shelter as positive of an environment as we can," Litviak said. "We care about them like they’re our own. But you know, they’re in a room with 30 other dogs that are howling constantly. Plus, they have limited human interaction. It can just take a toll on them. It’s very stressful. They lose weight."

MACS turned that concern to a Facebook post in hopes that it would reach a taker. The video, showing Mason wagging his tail and bumping the camera with his nose in curiosity, has been viewed more than 4,000 times.

But still, no family has taken him home permanently. He has been adopted once within the four-month span, but Litviak said he had too much energy for the woman to handle and was returned.

"At the end of the day we can’t give them everything a home can," Litviak said. "Just for his well-being, we want to see him adopted."

Litviak calls Mason a "happy, goofy dog who loves to play outside," but she encourages families with children under 6 years old to consider another pet, since Mason's size could pose a hazard in knocking small kids over. A meet-and-greet is required for those interested in Mason who have other dogs at home.

Mason and the five other Hurricane Irma dogs aren't the only ones local shelters have rescued from a southern coast storm. In September, MACS took in 19 animals — 10 cats and nine dogs — from areas affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, while Midwest Pet Refuge in Portland welcomed six dogs.

Those interested in adopting or fostering Mason, or any other pet from MACS, can visit the shelter located at 901 West Riggin Road. Renters must provide proof that their residences allow pets. (Monday might be the best day to do so. The shelter is offering $5 adoptions.)

For more information, call 765-747-4851.

Audrey Kirby is a digital producer at The Star Press. Follow her on Twitter @ajanekirby, and email her story ideas: ajkirby@muncie.gannett.com.