RESCUE TAILS / “Third time is a charm”

Angela captured the hearts of staff and volunteers. They loved her goofy smile, her small head and her big wiggly body. For one reason or another, the many people that visited our Marathon Campus in search of a new family dog just didn’t see what we saw. Not one person came in requesting to meet her. You see, this was especially sad because this was Angela’s third time at our shelter.

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, adoptions just don’t work out. In 2017 Angela was adopted out twice. On her first return back her owners said they were moving and could no longer keep her. Although frustrating, we always take our animals back with loving arms if they can’t keep them. We were excited when she was adopted a second time and once again disheartened when she came back. Angela didn’t seem to mind. She remembered her old kennel and the routine. She knew when breakfast and dinner was served, she knew the best yards for chasing lizards and when her favorite volunteer came to walk her. We patiently waited ten months hoping the right family, the forever family, would come to take her home for good.

On the weekend before Christmas a Holiday miracle occurred! A young family who had been following Angela’s story on social media couldn’t deny what they were feeling, Angela was meant to be theirs. It was the first time in a long time someone had come to the shelter specifically asking to meet our longest resident. We could hardly contain our excitement as we placed Angela on a leash and headed out with the family for a nice walk together. This time, they saw what we saw. A funny girl with a big personality: they saw their new dog.

Sometimes the third time is the charm. All of us here at the Florida Keys SPCA do our best to create life-long matches for our shelter animals and potential adopters. As a no-time-limit shelter we never create space, we simply provide our animals the best possible temporary home at one of our campuses until the right family comes along. For some it can be a matter of days, others can take longer. Regardless of how long it takes, we believe there’s a home out there for every adoptable animal in our care. If you’re ready to bring a new family member into your heart and home be sure to check out our Campuses in Key West or Marathon first. We’re sure to help you find the right animal for your family. For more information on adoption contact me at [email protected] or visit our adoptable pets online at fkspca.org.