A 10-year-old dog has suffered the heartbreak of being returned to the shelter she was adopted from five years ago—but she’s not alone.
Paws for Life, an animal welfare and protection society based in Pueblo, Colorado, recently welcomed back Nala, a shepherd mix. Lisa Miller, from Paws for Life, told Newsweek that Nala was returned “through no fault of her own.”
In 2021, a study in the journal Animals saw researchers analyze shelter and adoption data to identify shared characteristics of long-term shelter dogs.
They found, among other things, that these dogs are often older, bigger, or considered a “dangerous breed.” Based on that analysis alone, Nala could be facing an extended stay in the shelter system.
Whatever happens next, though, Nala won’t face it by herself. That’s because she’s got Poe.
When Nala was returned, Miller said the shelter staff were surprised to discover that “she wasn’t alone.” The staff saw how Nala and Poe interacted and realized the two dogs were friends with a lifetime of memories.
Nala was adopted five years ago. Now she’s back at the shelter and has got company.
Paws For Life Pueblo
“She brought her best friend, Poe, a sweet and devoted 7-year-old shepherd mix,” Miller said. “We couldn’t bear to separate them, so once space became available, we welcomed them both with open arms.”
“These two share an incredible bond,” Miller said.
Dogs entering shelters can sometimes struggle to adjust to their new surroundings and the intimidating hustle and bustle of their temporary new home. Nala and Poe had very different responses to being in the shelter.
“Nala has adjusted well, while Poe initially struggled with anxiety in the kennel environment,” Miller said. She’s confident that, with time and support, Poe will make the necessary adjustment.
“Thanks to the love of our staff and plenty of enrichment, he has made progress, but we know that in a home filled with love and patience, he will truly thrive,” she said.
In the meantime, Poe has the best possible support through his adoption journey: his best friend, Nala. The challenge now is to find a home that will accommodate both of them.
“Nala’s confidence helps Poe feel secure, which is why we are committed to finding them a home together,” Miller said.
Poe has struck up a unique bond with Nala. It means the two shelter dogs now come as a package.
Paws For Life Pueblo
The staff at Paws for Life have spent enough time with Poe and Nala to learn more about their personalities and the kinds of homes they would be best suited to.
“Like all dogs, they have their quirks,” Miller said. “Poe can be reactive to cars, and they both love their toys so much that sharing can sometimes be a challenge! Nala may even be a little envious of Poe’s impressive soccer skills.”
Paws for Life highlighted Nala and Poe’s plight in a heartbreaking video on TikTok. The hope is that it will help drum up adoption interest in the pair.
Nala and Poe would be best suited to a home without cats or small dogs. They will require patience, some guidance and a little training, but, in return, whoever adopts this unique duo will benefit from the companionship of two sweet, loyal senior dogs who deserve another chance at a forever home.
“No senior dog should have to spend their golden years in a kennel when they deserve a warm bed, a safe place to rest, and a family to cherish them,” Miller said. “If you can open your heart and home to Nala and Poe, please reach out today.”
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