Stella has always been the kind of dog who lights up around people.
Even in her toughest moments, she never held bitterness in her heart, despite having every reason to.
Her world shattered when the person she trusted most cast her aside without hesitation. Confused and heartbroken, this once joyful pup found herself in a New Jersey shelter — and no matter how hard she tried, luck kept slipping through her paws.
Her Owner Left Her On A Busy Highway
Rescuers at the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter in Forked River, New Jersey, welcomed Stella after someone spotted her running along a busy highway. Her former owner had dumped her there and driven off, leaving her behind.
“She was abandoned on a busy highway by some heartless person. All of that is behind her now and she’s focused on the future,” AHPPS wrote.
Despite the shock and trauma, Stella adjusted quickly and showed everyone what a gentle, affectionate dog she was. Within days, she had already captured hearts with her kind nature.
“Stella never holds anything against anyone though, and she positively loves people. She’s so mild-mannered, sweet, loving, playful, she’s so well behaved and has had plenty of training too,” AHPPS shared on Facebook.
But even with her affectionate nature, Stella still didn’t find the happy ending she longed for. She watched countless other shelter dogs leave for forever homes while no one filled out an application for her.
Even at adoption events, where she wagged her tail at everyone she met, Stella remained overlooked.
Still, she never gave up hope.
Her positive spirit brought her plenty of friends, especially volunteers who adored her gentle soul.
Yet months slipped into years, and still, no family came for her. Then finally, hope arrived!
Two Tries, Two Disappointments
After two long years at the shelter, Stella’s moment finally came. The staff received a call from an adopter, and excitement filled the room.
An adopter picked Stella up, and everyone thought her story had turned around. But within just a few days, Stella was back at the shelter.
Then, unbelievably, it happened again only days later.
The first adopter struggled because of their age and couldn’t handle Stella on walks. The second family returned her because of allergies.
“Adopted, returned. Adopted, returned. And that’s all in just a few days! (No, Stella didn’t do anything wrong…. allergies were involved one time, a change of mind the next time…),” the shelter explained.
Watching Stella return to her kennel after two failed adoptions broke everyone’s hearts.
The hardest part? None of this was her fault. Bad luck alone robbed her of the chance she had waited so long for.
Now, Stella once again waits patiently at the shelter, hoping her true forever family finally walks through the doors. She dreams of a life filled with love, joy, and adventures she so deserves.
Good luck, sweet girl!