Every shelter worker knows how much their dogs long for a forever family. Each pup dreams of a warm home filled with love, and none of them can truly rest until that dream becomes reality.
To help make those dreams come true, the Metro East Humane Society in Illinois holds a special Black Friday adoption event every year. Thanks to the kindness of sponsors, all adoption fees are waived, giving more animals the chance to meet their future families.
This year’s event was the most successful one yet, with 94 animals adopted, including 64 dogs. Staff members celebrated every happy ending—until they realized one dog had been left behind.
Her name was Frito, and she was one of the shelter’s sweetest residents.
Frito Gets Overlooked
When the team noticed that Frito hadn’t been chosen, their hearts broke.
“She is a very lovely and deserving girl, so it was a shame that she was overlooked and no one came forward for her. We all know how special Frito is, so to see so many people pass her by was upsetting,” Ali Hillard, the shelter’s program manager, told The Dodo.
After the event, the staff returned to the shelter in Madison County, Illinois, bringing Frito back with them. The kennels, once full of wagging tails, now stood silent.
Frito seemed to sense what had happened. She looked around at the empty spaces where her friends had been, her eyes soft and full of sadness.
Before tucking her in for the night, staff members knelt beside her kennel, held her face gently in their hands, and whispered reassurances. They promised her that her turn would come.
Frito Finds Her Own Joy
By morning, Frito seemed determined not to let her sadness win. Even though she had no playmates left, she dashed around the yard with her toys, turning her stuffed animals into her new friends.
In a TikTok video shared by the shelter, staff wrote that she was happily spending time with her “imaginary friends.”
Frito carried her plush toys everywhere, her tail wagging high. Despite everything, her joyful spirit remained unshaken.
The staff hopes her resilience will soon capture the attention of the right person. Frito’s blend of sweetness, affection, and playful energy makes her the perfect companion for someone looking for unconditional love.
“Frito is really not a picky girl. Her ideal forever home would be any home looking for a dog that is a healthy mix of both sweet and cuddly while also being super silly and playful,” Hillard said.
Not long after, the shelter shared an exciting update on TikTok: Frito had moved into a foster home.
There, she’s enjoying cozy beds, kind humans, and the feeling of being part of a family again.
Everyone at the shelter continues to cheer her on, believing her forever home is just around the corner. Frito’s story is a touching reminder that even the loneliest pup can find joy while waiting for love.
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