All shelter dogs dream of finding their forever home, but it takes some longer than others to get adopted. Some dogs wait years and years, watching people pass them by and wondering when it will finally be their turn.
That was the case for a dog named Kona, who spent 6 long years in an Ohio shelter waiting to be adopted — but now, her story finally has a long-overdue happy ending.
Kona was surrendered to the Ohio SPCA & Humane Society back in 2018, after being surrendered by her owner, to no fault of her own, the rescue wrote.
But in the years since then, Kona was always passed over by potential adopters: the SPCA wrote that there was “limited interest” in her. They wrote that while she has a love to give, it can take some time for her to warm up to people.
“Once she trusts you, she is a very loving, happy girl,” the SPCA wrote. “Kona takes treats so gently and has the sweet demeanor to match.”
While Kona gets along with cats, she needs to be the only dog in the household, which limited potential adopters significantly. Over 6 years, Kona spent nearly her entire life in the shelter, waiting for a true home.
But now, her luck has finally turned around. On October 2, the Ohio SPCA wrote that they were “jumping for joy” as they announced some long-awaited news: Kona had finally been adopted!
“After 6 long years waiting for someone to give her a chance, Kona has found the perfect family for her,” the SPCA wrote. “We are so excited for Kona’s fresh start.”
Photos show Kona overjoyed as she goes on her freedom ride to her new home. The new owners also posed with a sign that says “It was LOVE at First Sight!”
The news was met with relief and joy from shelter staff, as well as fans who have followed her story all these years.
“I’m so excited to see this. I met her those 6 long years ago when she came from FCDS,” one person commented on Facebook. “Please give her time and patience to remember to be a dog now, ptsd in shelter dogs is so real. Thank you for adopting!”
“She was my favorite. I stuck around this evening so I could say goodbye,” another wrote. “The couple seem perfect for her.”
“Sweet sweet Kona! Will miss her but couldn’t be happier!” another comment reads. “I gave her a bath today and we talked about meeting some nice people tonight! Thrilled for her!”
The mother of Kona’s new owner shared an update about the dog’s first days in her new home. After spending so long in the shelter, Kona was naturally a little shy and nervous at first, but seemed to trust her new parents: “She kept coming back to mom and dad for reassurance,” Stacey Crosby wrote.
She also said Kona was enjoying the good life, with a comfy bed, car trips to get a “pup cup” and adventures to the local ponds and trails.
No dog should have to wait their whole life in a shelter, but we’re glad sweet Kona has finally found a perfect forever home!
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