Animal shelters work tirelessly to ensure that every pet in their care finds a loving forever home. Adoption events are a key strategy in helping these animals meet potential adopters. At an adoption event organized by Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) in Orlando, Florida, one special pup was poised to be the star of the show: Baby Girl.
Baby Girl, a sweet Pittie mix, had a tumultuous journey before arriving at the shelter. She was rescued from a perilous situation on a busy interstate. As the OCAS recounted on Facebook, “Someone watched a timid dog try and cross a busy interstate. They were able to stop the dog and get her inside their car, possibly saving her life.” The quick action of her rescuer brought Baby Girl to the safety of the OCAS headquarters, where she was welcomed with open arms.
Foster Home and New Beginnings
Upon arrival, Baby Girl was examined by the OCAS vet team. The results confirmed that she was a healthy 9-year-old dog with a heart full of love. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her past and how long she had been a stray, it was clear that Baby Girl deserved more than life in a kennel.
To help her relax and recover from the stress of shelter life, the OCAS staff decided to place Baby Girl in a foster home. Su Morrison, one of the shelter’s dedicated volunteers, was eager to help. She fell in love with Baby Girl and took her in as a foster.
The transition to a home environment proved to be transformative for Baby Girl. Away from the noise of the shelter, she began to flourish. Morrison noted, “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.”
Another Try at Adoption
Despite the comfort of her foster home, Baby Girl’s dream of finding a forever family remained unfulfilled. During the adoption event, she was prominently featured in hopes of attracting a loving adopter. Unfortunately, the event did not go as hoped; Baby Girl’s kennel remained unnoticed by prospective adopters, leaving her feeling disheartened.
As the event concluded, 58 other animals found their forever homes, but Baby Girl was left feeling more despondent than ever. OCAS reflected on the situation, writing, “No one is lining up outside for hours for this sweet girl. No one is fighting for her. No one is begging to adopt her, and it’s heartbreaking.”
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait
Just as Baby Girl’s spirits seemed at their lowest, a heartwarming turn of events occurred. Su Morrison, who had become deeply attached to Baby Girl, decided that the thought of her leaving was too painful. Determined to ensure Baby Girl’s happiness, Morrison chose to adopt her.
Now, Baby Girl is living her dream, enjoying long, relaxing walks and car rides with her new family. Morrison celebrated this “foster fail” with a joyful comment on Facebook: “Another foster fail, another happy dog.”
Baby Girl’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and the profound impact of finding the right home.