But everyone ignores her
When a stray dog named Zelda was abandoned in the lobby of Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, the shelter’s staff and volunteers were heartbroken. How could anyone have dumped such a sweet dog?
As the shelter workers assessed Zelda, it became clear she’d been through a lot in her life before getting abandoned. She was anxious and overwhelmed by the hectic shelter environment.
Because Zelda was clearly so uncomfortable in the shelter, everyone hoped she would get adopted quickly. But over 410 days have passed since Zelda was dumped, and she’s had almost no one apply to adopt her.
“Zelda has been waiting far too long for a family to call her own,” Valley Animal Center wrote on Facebook.
Zelda has to be the only pet in a household, which might be one reason people keep overlooking her. And because being in her kennel makes her so anxious, people assume she’s standoffish and write her off before getting to know her.
“She’s watched adopters walk right past her and choose someone else every time,” a volunteer at the shelter wrote on
While shelter visitors dismiss Zelda as unfriendly, the staff and volunteers who’ve gotten to know her over the year she’s been at Valley Animal Center know a different side of her.
“Sometimes, it’s hard to see a dog’s true personality behind shelter walls, and Zelda deserves to be seen for who she really is: a goofy, smart, treat-loving companion with a heart full of love,” Valley Animal Center wrote on Facebook.
Zelda got a short break from the shelter environment when a family decided to take a chance on her and bring her home a few months ago. But after just three days, they decided to return her.
Ever since, Zelda has been trying extra hard to put her best foot forward and be as outgoing as possible. The other day, she even tried to give kisses to people through the bars of her kennel. But still, she was ignored.
Everyone who’s gotten to know Zelda is eager for her to finally find her true forever home. They know her perfect fit is out there somewhere.
“If you’re looking for an active, loving companion, Zelda might be your perfect match,” Valley Animal Center wrote on Instagram.