PARMA, Ohio -- A lovable stray dog that has wandered the streets of a Parma neighborhood for years is in danger after being taken to a local shelter.

The community is now coming together to try to save Buddy the dog, reported NewsChannel5.

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Buddy is a German Shepard mix that is now locked up at the county animal shelter.

For years, Buddy roamed the streets of the Parma neighborhood.

He's called many places home, even though he is technically homeless.

Cindy Jackson found Buddy sleeping in her bushes years ago. Since then, Buddy has become a playmate to her dog, greets Jackson when she comes home, and warms the hearts of one neighbor after another.

"A lot of neighbors leave their garage doors at half-way so he can stay in, everybody in the neighborhood has dishes and loves him," said Jackson.

But the Parma animal warden picked Buddy up on Friday, and neighbors feared he would be put to sleep on Tuesday.

The shelter says that won't happen, but Buddy can't stay there for long.

Buddy most likely can't be placed in a home because he's been on his own for so long.

"This dog, having lived on the streets as long as he has has, sort of reverted to a kind of wild state," said Greg Willey, of the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.

Neighbors have organized a fund for Buddy. They want to raise enough money to send him to an animal sanctuary where he can roam free and still be safe.

Send donations to:

Help Save Buddy
c/o National City Bank
6565 Ridge Road
Parma, OH 44129

You can also contact helpsavebuddy@aol.com.