Despite the best efforts of shelter staff to make the environment as cozy as possible, the reality for many animals in shelters is far from ideal. The unfortunate truth is that some animals spend years waiting for a family to adopt them, while others may never experience the joy of a permanent home.
The Extended Stay of Cinderella the Pittie Mix
At the spcaLA’s Long Beach shelter, a 5-year-old Pittie mix named Cinderella was known for her incredibly sweet nature. She loved interacting with anyone around, playing endlessly, and was always up for a good belly rub. Despite her loving demeanor, Cinderella struggled to attract the attention of potential adopters.
Cinderella’s long wait continued, and she spent a total of 1,139 days at the shelter, longing for a family to call her own.
The Hurdles Along the Way
During her extensive stay, Cinderella developed a limp in one of her back legs due to a torn ligament. This unexpected complication meant that she needed surgery to heal properly. Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of donors who contributed to the shelter, Cinderella received the necessary surgery, which was successful.
Following her surgery, Cinderella was placed in foster care to ensure she had a comfortable environment to recover. This period also included three intense months of physical therapy. It was during this time that Cinderella experienced what it felt like to be part of a loving home, which helped her heal not just physically but emotionally as well.
A Brief Adoption and Return
Filled with newfound love and happiness, Cinderella finally seemed ready to find her forever home. She was soon adopted, but her size became an issue, and just after a day, she was returned to the shelter. Ana Bustilloz, the communications and marketing director at spcaLA’s Long Beach location, reflected on the experience, emphasizing that finding the perfect match for special dogs like Cinderella requires patience and effort.
A Turn of Fate for Cinderella
Despite the setbacks, Cinderella remained hopeful, and her patience paid off. A family walked into the shelter one day, asking about the dog who had been there the longest. That was when Cinderella’s life took a significant turn for the better. Jasika Sarceno, who became Cinderella’s new mom, said, “She chose us. We didn’t choose her.” Jasika is using this opportunity to teach her children about the importance of giving older and breed-stigmatized dogs a chance at a loving home.
This time, the adoption was a perfect match. Cinderella quickly adapted to her new family, proving to be playful, loving, and protective, especially towards the children in her new home.
Source: spcaLA
The Final Plea
The story of Cinderella is just one of many. Shelters across the country are filled with animals, each waiting for someone to give them a chance. These animals offer unconditional love and companionship and are just waiting for someone to return their affection.
If you are considering adding a pet to your family, think about visiting your local shelter. There are countless animals like Cinderella who are just waiting for a loving home. Adopting a shelter animal not only changes their life but also has the potential to enrich yours immensely.
