While Prince has enjoyed three years of freedom, he only had to wait a month after capture before being adopted by community member Michelle Schroeder.

For three years, community-crowned canine Prince has enjoyed reigning and roaming across the Tama-Toledo area after escaping the Tama County Humane Society but returned to the shelter in early January.

Two days after arriving at the Tama County Humane Society from a high-kill shelter in Oklahoma, Prince vaulted the dog run in June 2020. Prince has enjoyed a three-year-long trot across the Tama-Toledo area, often enjoying the cuisine at Hardee’s.

Shelter Director Kayla Kerkove appreciates the community’s help with Prince while traversing the outside world.

“I’m sure he thought he was enjoying his best life. So many amazing community members would put food out for him. He would carry away the food bowls people would leave out,” she said. “[Prince] also helped other stray dogs find food on their way back home.”

The Tama County Humane Society and animal-loving community members tried to catch Prince for three years. Around Jan. 10, Prince was finally scooped up by the Humane Society.

“The morning we got the call about an injured dog running down the road, we would never have guessed it [was] Prince. Just because everyone pretty much knows who he is and that he was impossible to catch. I really don’t think anyone thought we ever would,” Kerkove said. “We were surprised when we found him. We couldn’t be happier to have him back.”

Upon Prince’s return to the Humane Society, he was neutered, microchipped, pampered with love, and returned to his doggy bed throne at the shelter.

“For being on hiatus for three years, we were worried about how he would be when he first [returned to the shelter]. But, to our surprise, he was super sweet after about the first day. He loves to give kisses and loves scratches,” Kerkove said.

While waiting for his forever home, Kerkove recounts the loyalty of one human to the Prince.

“Prince’s future looks amazing. One of the many community members that helped keep an eye on him has been here every day since we got him back in our care. She’s hoping to adopt him,” Kerkove said.

That human is Michelle Schroeder, who took Prince to his very own palace on Monday, Feb. 6.

“Prince was a big part of the community [and now] he’s found his forever home. He’s living his best life now.”

The Tama County Humane Society has many other canines and felines awaiting their forever home. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TamaCountyHumaneSociety or contact them at (641) 481-7001 to adopt a furry friend for your family.