When a pup named Cherry first arrived at the Clermont County Animal Shelter in Ohio, she was not in the best shape.
The shelter staff found Cherry’s name quite fitting because her entire body was red due to a severe case of mange. On top of that, she was terrified of her new surroundings and didn’t trust the new people she met.
Determined Staff Never Gave Up
However, the staff at the Ohio shelter did not give up on Cherry. They worked with her every day, trying to help her come out of her shell, and eventually, they succeeded.
Discovering the Playful Side of Cherry
Source: Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter
Since the shelter staff noticed that Cherry, who did not want to leave her kennel, would come alive once they managed to get her outside, they knew that beneath all that fear, there was a playful pup wanting to come out.
“She had to be carried outside by most volunteers, but once outside away from the noise, she came to life. At the park bench that first day taking her out was when I realized her infinite love for balls. Basketballs, weighted medicine balls, tennis balls, balls that are supposed to be indestructible do not stand a chance with Cherry,” Megan Dashley, a shelter volunteer, told The Dodo.
Cherry’s Growing Bond with Volunteers
Luckily, Cherry did realize that the volunteers were only there to help her. Over time, she fell in love with them and began spending her days having the best playdates.
Source: Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter
A Temporary Home and Heartbreak
After some time, this sweet pup was noticed by a loving family who eagerly wanted to take her in. Everybody at the Ohio shelter was overjoyed at this news, and when they saw how well they clicked, they believed that this temporary family would soon turn into a forever one.
Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances, Cherry ended up being returned to the shelter, and this time, she did not take it well.
“She’s not herself. She’s not comfortable. She’s not confident. When Callie walked her yesterday, she was shaking in her kennel and her tail stayed tucked for most of their walk,” volunteers wrote on Facebook.
This sweet girl was totally confused and did not know what happened. She thought she had found her forever family. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time. Throughout her stay at the shelter, Cherry has been adopted and returned several times. The staff is puzzled as to why nobody wants this adorable girl to be a permanent resident at their loving home.
“Outside of the shelter, Cherry shines so bright. She smiles from ear to ear when she is comfortable, happy, and at peace,” Dashley said.
Cherry is Ready for a Forever Home
Source: Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter
Cherry is a sweet girl who is looking for active people who will be able to run around with her as much as her little heart desires. She would love to have her very own backyard where she could get her daily exercise, but a nearby open area where she could have her adventures would also do. She would also love a relaxed dog sibling to play with.
Shelter Staff’s Efforts to Find Cherry a Home
Everybody at the shelter is doing their best to find Cherry a loving home. They just want her to be happy and safe, surrounded by people who adore everything about her.
“This girl is a national treasure and a hidden gem. Someone would be SO LUCKY to be in her aura and get to absorb the amount of love she has to give,” Dashley concluded.
Source: Clear the Clermont County Animal Shelter
The Challenge for Shelters
Even though shelters try their best to provide the animals with the most comfortable and happy stay, that isn’t always easy. Animals who have been let down over and over again, like Cherry, have a very hard time opening up to the staff. They can become sad, depressed, and even aggressive. Plus, the loud noises and the fact that a person cannot be with them every single second can make things much more difficult.
A Call to Action
If you are able to take in an animal looking for a warm and loving home, please head down to your local shelter and bring a smile to a furry face. And, if you are interested in adopting Cherry, feel free to contact Clermont County Animal Shelter for more information.
