It’s extremely rare for dogs to spend over 2 years in a shelter. Some organizations have euthanasia rules, while others will just try to find homes for all pups as much as they can.
However, even with this, some pups will still struggle to find a forever home. The real reason? It’s hard to say. People can overlook dogs for any number of reasons.
It can be because of their color, age, breed, or even their relationship with other animals. It’s difficult to please everyone.
Tracy was a big dog who spent a long time in the shelter and it seemed like all hope was lost for her when she suddenly received some good news.
She Finally Catches A Break
It was two and a half years since Tracy was taken in the shelter in Illinois and it looked like this cheerful pup had lost her spirit. She didn’t believe that she was going to find a home anymore.
Allison Wunder, who works for PAWS Chicago, told The Dodo: “Most of our adopters are people who live in the city looking for calmer, smaller breeds that are more apartment friendly. Tracy just kept growing.”
The shelter staff did their best to make sure that Tracy’s life at the shelter was as comfortable as possible. She had plenty of opportunities to play and the rescuers showered her with affection.
They knew how much she was struggling and that was the best they could do. They felt heartbroken that she was overlooked despite being so wonderful.
The Illinois rescuers also trained her in order to help increase her chances of adoption, but it didn’t seem like that helped much.
Then, out of the blue, a woman named Laura came to the shelter with the intention to adopt a dog. They had already prepared a list ahead of time.
It Was Just Meant To Be
She had a few candidates, but when the woman met Tracy, it’s like the pup stole their heart in a minute. Wunder said: “Tracy locked eyes with Laura and laid her head in her hand. About 5 minutes in, they knew she was the one.”
Everyone at the shelter was overjoyed after hearing this news. Tracy was finally adopted. She was going to her forever home soon. It almost sounded surreal for them.
So, in order to make this moment as special as possible, the Illinois shelter staff decided to prepare a goodbye party for her.
Over forty people gathered in the shelter to pet her and give her well-wishes. She looked extremely happy at this moment.
Shortly after, Laura finally signed the adoption papers and Tracy was now officially her dog. She was taken to her forever home where she was thriving and living her best life.
Laura told PAWS Chicago: “Despite being in the shelter so long, [Tracy] held onto her spirit and her pride and her joy of life. The love she received from PAWS must have helped her retain her resilience and her hope. Nothing about her is a victim. She’s strong and confident, and she knows how to love because she was loved by the people at PAWS.”