When it comes to shelter dogs, I like to believe that good things truly come to those who wait. But for Ella, a sweet girl from the Illinois shelter, that wait felt endless.
After a shocking wait of 740 days behind kennel bars, Ella’s hope started to fade. Every morning, she’d wake up with the biggest smile on her face. She’d greet visitors, wag her tail, and hope that, someday, her silent plea for a loving home would be answered.
And when she finally received a long-awaited shot at happiness, it slipped away within days. The reason? Truly devastating.
Ella’s Heartbreaking Journey
Ella arrived at Animal House Shelter (AHS) in Huntley, Illinois, as a stray from Tennessee. Other than her location and the fact that she had been found wandering the streets, her history remained vague.
However, one thing the shelter staff learned immediately about Ella was how much resilience she had in her. After what must have been a difficult life, Ella still chose to smile and reciprocate all the love she received.
Still, for some reason, she remained overlooked. Months passed, then years, and this black-and-white girl never got the chance to start over.
“740 days. That’s how long sweet Ella has been waiting for her forever home. She came to us shy and unsure, but with love and patience she has blossomed into a loyal, playful, and affectionate girl,” the Illinois shelter shared on Facebook.
Then, one day, everything changed!
After spending endless days in her tiny kennel, Ella’s wish was granted. A family came forward and adopted her, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though the long wait was over.
But the joy of finding a home for Ella was short-lived. She was returned soon after adoption for being too protective of her family. Once again, both Ella and her caregivers were heartbroken.
The shelter was devastated but understood the complexity of Ella’s situation.
“Ella is deeply devoted to her people and would thrive best as the only pet in an adult-only home. She’s been returned in the past for being protective of those she loves—she just needs someone who understands her loyal heart,” Animal House Shelter added.
Still Hoping
One thing is for sure: Ella’s time in the shelter has taken a toll. Yet even after tasting the brief joy of a home, she has never stopped hoping.
The shelter staff made it their mission to find Ella a family who would understand her needs and love her unconditionally.
“Ella deserves so much more than life in a kennel—she deserves a family to love and protect, just as she’s always wanted,” AHS concluded.
Hopefully, Ella’s new family is just around the corner, someone who will see beyond her past and give her the home she’s been waiting for.