Shelters are meant to be temporary places of refuge for dogs in need, but for some, they become a permanent home.
Lucia was one of those dogs. For eleven years, she remained at Villalobos Rescue Center in Louisiana, watching countless other dogs leave for their forever families while she stayed behind.
Despite the long wait, Lucia never gave up hope. She held onto the belief that one day, someone would choose her.
She had no idea that her moment would arrive when she least expected it.
Life Behind Shelter Walls
Lucia arrived at Villalobos Rescue Center when she was just a year old. The staff welcomed her with warmth and compassion, determined to help her recover from what they suspected had been a rough beginning.
Among those who met her was Liz Scollo, a dog trainer at the shelter. Scollo couldn’t understand why Lucia had never been adopted.
The team tried everything: sharing her story online, bringing her to adoption events, but she was consistently overlooked. Scollo believed her aversion to other dogs may have been the reason families passed her by.
After more than a decade of waiting, fate intervened.
Scollo herself realized she had formed a deep connection with Lucia and made the decision to adopt her. There was something undeniably special about Lucia, and their bond grew quickly.
When Lucia understood she was leaving the shelter for good, her joy was unmistakable. She said goodbye to the staff who had cared for her all those years and stepped into a new chapter of her life.
It was a long-overdue moment for a dog who had waited far too long.
Exploring A World She Had Only Dreamed Of
Lucia’s transition into Scollo’s home was filled with excitement. Her tail wagged constantly as she explored every room, sniffed every corner, and jumped onto couches with a wide, happy grin.
After spending eleven years in a kennel, she was finally discovering what life outside the shelter felt like.
Now living in New York, twelve-and-a-half-year-old Lucia behaves like a dog half her age. She runs freely in the yard, soaking up her new freedom, and showers Scollo with affection, especially during bedtime cuddles.
Scollo hopes Lucia’s story will encourage others to consider adopting senior dogs. She wants people to understand that older dogs have just as much love and joy to offer as younger ones.
Thanks to Scollo’s kindness, Lucia’s long wait has come to an end. She is finally living the life she always deserved, filled with warmth, love, and the comfort of a true home.