Heartbreakingly, some dogs spend far too long waiting for someone to notice them.
Shelters are meant to be short stops, but sometimes dogs end up spending years there. They watch others get adopted, hoping that someone will finally see them.
Cindy Lou is one of those dogs. She arrived with hopeful eyes and a heart full of love, but her days in the kennel stretched on.
Staff saw how much she longed for a home, even when she tried to stay calm and patient.
Her story is one that stays with you. After so much time spent waiting, Cindy Lou is still hoping to meet her humans.
A Long Journey Toward Hope
Cindy Lou came to SPCA Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, New York, after being transferred from an overcrowded shelter in the Carolinas in 2022.
She had been found roaming alone, and no one ever came to claim her.
When she was first admitted to the shelter, she won the hearts of staff, and everyone believed she would be adopted in no time. But sadly, Cindy Lou ended up waiting too long for someone to notice her.
She watched other dogs go home while she remained behind kennel bars.
Every day began and ended with the same routine and the same unwavering hope that tomorrow might be different.
Life Inside The Shelter
The staff at SPCA Westchester wanted to help her realize her greatest dream, and they shared her video on social media.
Viewers felt heartbroken to see Cindy Lou sitting in her kennel, gazing at the camera with sorrowful eyes.
The caption reads, “Cindy Lou has been waiting at the shelter for over 1,000 days.”
Even after so much time, the pup hasn’t given up.
“She loves going on hikes and really enjoys car rides when she goes off-site. Cindy Lou also likes to stay busy as she’s very smart, so she takes part in our nose work sessions and is currently learning scent detection!” Lisa Bonanno-Spence, director of Development at SPCA Westchester, said in an interview.
Cindy Lou reveals her true nature when she spends time outdoors. She takes part in scent training and nose work, showing off her curious and playful side.
She has an endearing way of asking for affection. She stands up and places her paws on someone’s leg, asking for a belly rub.
Unfortunately, after nearly three years, no one has offered to take her home.
Why She’s Still Waiting
No one knows for sure why Cindy Lou keeps getting overlooked.
Bonanno-Spence believes her size plays a role. At around 80 pounds, she’s bigger than many people expect when they think of a companion dog.
“Being a big, strong girl has definitely made some potential adopters hesitate,” she added.
Cindy Lou also prefers to choose her friends carefully, which can make things more complicated for families with other pets. Since the pup spent so long in a shelter, she became used to the shelter environment.
“She’s become accustomed to shelter life,” Bonanno-Spence explained. “But we know she’ll blossom once she’s in a stable, loving home.”
The shelter staff believes she would do best in a calm, adult home where she can enjoy space, and soak up the affection she missed all along.
Cindy Lou continues to wait in the New York shelter. Her shelter friends comfort her and shower her with love.
After more than a thousand days, she’s still hoping that someone will recognize her as a loyal, loving soul who’s ready to fill someone’s home with warmth.
Her journey has been long, but she remains hopeful. All she needs is one person to give her the chance she’s been dreaming of all this time.