At a current mega adoption occasion hosted by Orange County Animal Providers (OCAS), dozens of canine discovered their without end houses. But amidst the group, one senior canine named Child Woman quietly watched as potential adopters handed her by. Her story, which started with a rescue from a busy interstate, serves as a robust reminder of the challenges older shelter canine face—and the hope that may nonetheless emerge even after disappointment.
Child Woman arrived at OCAS in February 2024 after a Good Samaritan intervened throughout a harmful second. The shelter experiences that somebody noticed the timid canine making an attempt to cross a busy freeway and stepped in simply in time. They managed to coax her into their automobile and introduced her to security, probably saving her life. From there, Child Woman was welcomed into the care of OCAS, the place employees shortly found her light and affectionate nature.
At 9 years previous, Child Woman was in good well being and confirmed indicators of being well-socialized. In accordance with OCAS, she was candy with individuals and had gotten together with different canine throughout her keep. Nevertheless, her age and breed—a pit bull combine—posed challenges in a shelter atmosphere the place youthful, smaller canine typically draw extra consideration. As OCAS shared on social media, “She deserves higher than spending her senior years inside our kennels.”
Recognizing the stress that the shelter atmosphere positioned on Child Woman, OCAS organized for her to enter foster care. Volunteer Su Morrison stepped ahead, providing Child Woman a quiet dwelling and a break from the fixed noise of the kennels. The transition was transformative. Within the consolation of her foster dwelling, Child Woman’s character started to shine. Morrison described her as a “goofball” and a “completely happy woman,” sentiments that had been later shared by the shelter on Fb.
Regardless of the love and stability she present in foster care, Child Woman remained with out a everlasting dwelling for months. As one of many shelter’s longest residents, employees determined to convey her to a large-scale adoption occasion in Might, hoping the elevated visibility would spark curiosity. The occasion drew hundreds of holiday makers and resulted within the adoption of 58 animals from OCAS. However for Child Woman, the day introduced solely heartbreak. She sat quietly in her kennel as individuals handed by, unnoticed and unchosen.
OCAS captured the second in a poignant social media publish, noting that “nobody is lining up exterior for hours for this candy woman. Nobody is combating for her.” The distinction between the enjoyment of different adoptions and Child Woman’s continued wait was stark. I discovered this element putting—it’s a painful illustration of how older animals will be neglected regardless of their readiness to like and be liked.
After the occasion, Child Woman returned to her foster dwelling. Whereas the end result had been discouraging, her story took a joyful flip quickly after. Morrison, who had grown deeply connected to Child Woman, submitted an adoption utility herself. On June 11, 2024, Child Woman was formally adopted by the girl who had already been giving her the love and care she wanted. Now, she spends her days occurring walks, having fun with automobile rides, and basking within the affection of her without end household.
Morrison later commented, “One other foster fail, one other completely happy canine,” referencing the affectionate time period used when foster caregivers resolve to undertake their prices. For Child Woman, the journey from a harmful roadside to a loving dwelling was lengthy and unsure, nevertheless it in the end led to one of the simplest ways doable.
Tales like Child Woman’s spotlight the significance of contemplating senior canine in the course of the adoption course of. Whereas puppies and small breeds typically draw speedy consideration, older canine convey their very own distinctive items—calm temperaments, established personalities, and a deep appreciation for kindness. They might not all the time be the primary to seek out houses, however after they do, the bond fashioned is usually extraordinary.
For these moved by Child Woman’s journey and all for supporting animals like her, Orange County Animal Providers accepts donations to assist present care and sources for his or her residents. Each contribution helps be certain that extra pets, no matter age or breed, have the possibility to seek out loving houses.
