5 YEARS! Can you even believe it? 5 years too long for a perfectly good dog!
The only reason she had such a long stay... a shelter who runs on a skeleton crew doesn't always have the time to post. When a shelter is a without the means or manpower, the little details that get missed are what can make a HUGE difference. And often times, they simply lack the knowledge and experience with marketing and social media. Unfortunately the animals are deeply affected. The sweet and wonderful people at Jay County reached out to me for some help and I took the 2.5 hour trip down to do my thing. My boyfriend and I went armed with cameras and a vision to visit the shelter staff and Shelby. We created a small library of quality pictures and video to use everyday until she found her forever home. When we first arrived, we discovered that they had this note from when Shelby was abandoned at the shelter 5 years ago.
I then began my posting quest. Their page, my page - EVERY DAY and TWICE ON SUNDAYS. I called radio stations for exposure and we were able to get an article written about her on one of the local news outlets and I called the local newspaper to write an article. Then we posted the heartwarming video my boyfriend produced that showcased her story and her gentle loving demeanor.
Shelby and her story gained so much awareness that she became an overnight (5 year) star. The inquiries came pouring in. At the time, the staff felt that she would do best in a home with no other animals. It is difficult to gauge an animals personality from the confines of the shelter environment.
Finally after a few homes that just didn't seem like they were going to work, a lady came in who had seen her article in the newspaper and the video on Facebook. She has two cats which was a cause for concern but agreed to do a very slow introduction. WELL, it DID work!! And it worked beyond anyone's wildest expectations. She eventually introduced Shelby to her daughter's dog. Another female Pit. And that worked too!! Two seemingly alpha personalities meshed perfectly together and now have regular play dates. It just goes to show you how much a dogs personality can change after they get into a home and are given patience, consistency, structure, and love. So many people tried to reach out and help Shelby. I was even able to get her adoption fee sponsored by someone 3 hours away. And all because we flooded Facebook and let the universe do it's thing. Shelby will never have to spend on more day in a loud noisy shelter again! She has her Forever Home!