Dog That Spent 11 Years in Shelter Finally Gets Her Happily Ever After
Dog Who Spent Over a Decade in a Shelter Finally Finds a Loving Home
A canine that spent 11 out of her 13 years living in a shelter has at last found her forever home, hundreds of miles away.
Fiona was first found wandering the streets and was picked up by animal control before being taken to the Second Chance Shelter in Boaz, Alabama. She remained there for 11 long years, hoping someone would choose her, but as time passed, her chances of adoption decreased. Older dogs have an adoption rate of just 25 percent, compared to 60 percent for younger dogs and puppies.
Fortunately, Fiona was relocated to a foster-based rescue center in Wisconsin that focuses on finding homes for elderly, hospice, and special-needs dogs. Lindsey Decker, the Vice President of Albert’s Dog Lounge, took Fiona in as a foster pet on March 23 while searching for the perfect family to adopt her.
Fiona’s journey quickly gained attention, touching the hearts of many who were moved to learn she had spent more than a decade in a shelter, Decker told Newsweek. Because adoption requests started pouring in, Albert’s Dog Lounge didn’t even need to advertise Fiona publicly.
By April 5, Fiona had finally arrived at her permanent home in Greenfield, Wisconsin, after traveling nearly 730 miles to begin her new life.
Decker was determined to find a home that met specific requirements: a backyard, a fenced-in space, and other dogs as companions. She explained that Fiona is naturally timid and enjoys staying close to other dogs.
Fortunately, the family who welcomed Fiona already had two other dogs from Albert’s Dog Lounge, along with a fenced yard, making them an ideal match. They had already been approved for adoption, and everything fell into place perfectly. Even better, Fiona settled in much faster than expected.
“I was amazed at how quickly she adjusted to living in a home,” Decker shared. “She has completely settled in—it’s unbelievable.”
When Decker brought Fiona to her new family, they gave her time to explore the yard at her own pace. Once they slid open the door, Fiona confidently stepped inside, wandered through the house, climbed the stairs, and even paused to admire herself in a full-length hallway mirror.
Though Fiona will always be a naturally shy dog, Decker said it was incredible to see how quickly she adapted—not only to her foster home but also to her permanent family.
“I hope this inspires more people to foster and adopt. And if they can’t do that, they can still help by donating, volunteering at a shelter, or even assisting with pet transport,” Decker said.
Stories Like Fiona’s Are Sadly Common
Even though Fiona finally got her happy ending after 11 years, Decker pointed out that, unfortunately, situations like hers happen all too often.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.3 million animals enter shelters across the United States annually—an average of 17,260 per day. Reports from 24Petwatch’s Shelter Watch show that in January 2023 alone, shelters took in 46,807 dogs and cats—1,744 more than in January 2022.
Every year, around 920,000 pets in shelters are euthanized. Animal shelters are working hard to reduce these numbers through adoption promotions, spaying and neutering initiatives, and behavioral training programs.
Decker explained that senior dogs are among the most at risk of euthanasia and are often ignored by potential adopters. In May, Albert’s Dog Lounge will be rescuing two more dogs from the South—both of whom have been stuck in shelters for more than eight years.
“People were drawn to Fiona’s story simply because she had spent over 11 years in a shelter—they didn’t even need to know much else about her,” Decker said. “What really matters to them is helping a dog who has waited that long. Now we know that these dogs can find homes.”
