A dog who has spent more than 740 days at a shelter came so close to finding a forever home—only to have it taken away under heartbreaking circumstances.
In a video posted to TikTok by Animal House Shelter, a nonprofit no-kill rescue based in Huntley, Illinois, viewers were introduced to Ella, one of the facility’s longest-serving residents.
“Ella first came to our shelter in July of 2020 from Dyersburg, Tennessee, where she had been picked up as a stray,” explained Tabitha, a member of staff at Animal House Shelter, in an interview with Newsweek. “Unfortunately, we don’t know much about her life before that.”
There are times when Ella is the life and soul of the party at the shelter. “Ella loves to play and snuggle with her favorite people,” Tabitha said. “She’s full of joy and does a full-body wiggle every time she sees someone she loves—it’s impossible not to smile when she does it.”
However, being at the shelter for over 740 days has undoubtedly taken its toll on her. “Ella definitely has her down days,” Tabitha shared. “Our staff walks and interacts with her throughout the day, but being in a kennel for so long takes a toll. She craves the comfort and consistency of a real home—a cozy bed, quiet nights, and her very own family.”
Long-term shelter stays can be difficult for dogs. In fact, a 2021 study published in the journal *Animals* found that while dogs living in shelters for 12 months or more do not suffer physical harm, they do exhibit stress-related behaviors. The study noted that these dogs are more affected by acute stressors and have a harder time relaxing.
The TikTok clip, shared under the handle @animalhousecenter, highlights this impact. The video shows footage of Ella on her first day at the shelter, excited and hopeful, followed by a much more dejected-looking Ella sitting quietly inside her kennel after 740 days without adoption.
Ella’s current downbeat demeanor may also be linked to her personal history. She previously came close to finding a new home but was returned to the shelter.
“Ella has been adopted and returned because she became protective of her family,” Tabitha explained. “She bonds deeply and wants to keep her loved ones safe, but that protectiveness can be misunderstood when visitors come over. It’s heartbreaking, because it stems from love and loyalty, but it has cost her a few chances at forever.”
These experiences have only strengthened the resolve of everyone at Animal House Shelter to find Ella a permanent home. It’s a challenging process that is taking longer than anyone would like, but the rescuers have a clear vision of the kind of home that would be best for her.
“Ella would do best in a calm, adult-only home where she can be the center of attention and the only pet,” Tabitha said. “She just needs someone who will understand her, give her patience and structure, and let her love as deeply as she wants to.”
Anyone who believes they might be the perfect match for Ella is encouraged to get in touch with Animal House Shelter.
https://www.newsweek.com/dog-spent-740-days-shelter-adopted-returned-crushing-reason-11022939