Despite being surrendered to a shelter back in May 2023, one dog is still waiting to find the right person who will give her a chance and provide her with a loving forever home.
Lily once thought she had the perfect family, but her world was turned upside down when she was surrendered to a shelter in Pennsylvania, before transferring to the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) as her owners were losing their home. Since then, she has had no luck finding a new owner, winning the title nobody wants, that of being the shelter’s longest-serving resident.
Michele Frennier, the director of marketing at HARP, told Newsweek that Lily can be quite nervous, but she becomes very affectionate once she gets to know someone. People just have to be patient and give her the chance to warm up and show them her true self.
“She’s had a few meet-and-greets with potential adopters, but she seemed a little disinterested in them, and they decided to adopt another animal,” Frennier said.
“She is currently with a foster and doing well. However, the foster will have a roommate moving in at the beginning of June, and that person has a cat. We hope we can find Lily a new home before it’s time for the foster to return her to the shelter.”
Just like Lily, many other animals are also searching for their happy ending, as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 3.1 million dogs enter shelters each year. Fortunately, there are around 2 million dog adoptions per year, but that leaves many more who are still waiting.
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh / Val Head
Finding the Perfect Home
For anyone willing to open their heart, Lily is incredibly well behaved, walks well on a leash, knows basic commands, and is house- and crate-trained. With such a happy and loving temperament, Frennier says it’s certainly puzzling why no one has come to take her home yet.
On April 6, the rescue center shared more details about their “longest staying resident” in a Facebook post and added that she’s “ready for her forever home.” The post generated plenty of attention and has gained almost 200 reactions and 110 shares already.
As the center continue to wait for the right person to come forward, Frennier remains hopeful that Lily’s perfect family is out there, and they will notice her soon enough.
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
Frennier added: “Lily is very sweet and would do best in a house with an adult, or with older, savvy children where she’s the only pet. She can be nervous and is looking for a family that’s patient and will give her time to warm up. Once she’s comfortable, Lily loves cuddles, and some of her favorite things are plush toys and playing in water.
“She adores car rides and behaves impeccably in the passenger seat, making every journey a joyous experience. Lily is trained to sleep in her dog bed, but she’d much prefer snuggling on your bed,” Frennier said. “With Lily by your side, you’ll never have to worry about feeling lonely. She’s incredibly attuned to schedules and isn’t shy about vocalizing her excitement when it’s time for food, a walk, or playtime.”
Regardless of how long it might take, the shelter won’t giving up hope, and the carers will continue striving to find a forever home for Lily, wherever that may be.
The Facebook post has tugged on plenty of heartstrings, leading to many comments from people wishing only the best for the pup. One comment reads: “Beautiful girl. Praying for you sweetheart that you find your wonderful, new and loving family very soon.”
Another comment reads: “Lily is just gorgeous, really, she is a good-looking dog. Keep showing her.”
Do you have any rescue stories you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.