Dog Finds Perfect Match After 7 Years in Shelter, with a Touching Sign

In Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, the Animal Resource Center, a nonprofit shelter, recently shared a touching adoption story that may require a tissue or two.

Ella, their longest resident, had been at the shelter for 7 years, adopted and returned twice. The staff often wondered if she would ever find a permanent home.

Then, last month, an email arrived from Kaitlyn, a woman interested in adopting Ella. Excitedly, they set up a meeting.

Kaitlyn told the staff she was ready to welcome a new rescue dog into her life after her own dog, Jo, passed away a few months prior.

To their amazement, Kaitlyn and Ella connected instantly. Ella, who typically showed “fear aggression” with new people, approached Kaitlyn without hesitation, enjoying her pets and scratches.

The bond seemed destined when Kaitlyn recognized the bandana around Ella’s neck. It had belonged to Jo, her late dog. “This is Jo’s bandana,” she said tearfully. “I donated them all to the shelter after he passed.”

Out of all the dogs at the shelter, Ella ended up with Jo’s bandana—a serendipitous sign. “I like to think it’s Jo’s way of approving,” Kaitlyn remarked.

Though saying goodbye to Ella was bittersweet for the shelter staff, who loved her daily greetings, they were thrilled she had finally found a loving home.