Animal shelters work tirelessly to find loving forever homes for every pet in their care. One way they do this is by hosting adoption events, where potential adopters can meet their residents.
When Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) in Orlando, Florida, organized one such event, they knew exactly who would be the star: Baby Girl, their longest and oldest resident, who was hoping to fulfill her dream of finding a family.
Meet Baby Girl
Baby Girl, an adorable Pit Bull mix, arrived at the shelter after being rescued from a dangerous situation.
According to OCAS, “Someone saw a timid dog trying to cross a busy interstate. They managed to stop the dog and get her safely into their car, possibly saving her life.”
Once at OCAS, Baby Girl received a warm welcome and a thorough check-up from the vet team. At nine years old, she was healthy and showed everyone how gentle and loving she was.
“She is sweet and gentle with people and has shared her space with other dogs,” OCAS shared. “We don’t know much about her past, but we do know she deserves better than spending her senior years in our kennels.”
A Foster Home to the Rescue
Despite the shelter staff’s efforts to find Baby Girl a forever home, they decided that in the meantime, a foster home would help her decompress.
One of their volunteers, Su Morrison, had fallen in love with Baby Girl and happily took her in.
Living in a quiet, loving home helped Baby Girl truly blossom. Away from the noise of the shelter, she revealed her playful, goofy side to her foster parents.
“Having Baby in our home … it’s a pleasure. The longer she stays, the more we see what an absolute goofball she is. She is such a happy girl,” Morrison wrote to OCAS.
Another Chance at Finding a Home
Though Baby Girl was comfortable in her foster home, she hadn’t given up on her dream of finding a permanent family.
When OCAS held their adoption event, they made sure Baby Girl was front and center, hoping someone would notice her.
Unfortunately, no one stopped by her kennel.
While 58 other animals were adopted that day, Baby Girl returned to her foster home, feeling more discouraged than ever.
“No one is lining up for this sweet girl. No one is fighting for her. It’s heartbreaking,” OCAS wrote.
A Happy Ending
Just when Baby Girl thought all hope was lost, she received the best news.
Her foster mom, Su Morrison, had become so attached to Baby Girl that the thought of her leaving was unbearable. Morrison decided to officially adopt her.
Now, Baby Girl is living her dream life, spending her days going on long walks and car rides with her forever family.
“Another foster fail, another happy dog,” Morrison wrote on Facebook. Baby Girl’s journey proves that sometimes, good things really do come to those who wait.