A shelter dog named Misty has suffered the heartbreak of seeing her best friend adopted while she has yet to find a forever home of her own.
Misty first arrived at the Community Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) in Skokie, Illinois, a couple of months ago after being transferred from another rescue in rural Missouri.
It was hoped that she would stand a better chance of being adopted after the move, but so far, it hasn't quite worked out that way, which is a cause for concern. The longer it takes for Misty to meet that special someone, the more likely it is that being in the busy and often intimidating shelter environment will start to take its toll.
"The shelter is not a good place for any dog," a CARE volunteer told Newsweek. "Shelters are crowded and noisy which often causes animals to become very stressed."
In a 2013 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, researchers highlighted how dogs admitted to animal shelters often exhibit behavioral and physiological signs of stress.
The most commonly found is the activation of what they describe as the body's primary stress-responsive system, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which offers the clearest indication that dogs experience stress in a shelter environment.
Efforts, meanwhile, have been made to help Misty with this change.
"Our shelter is almost completely volunteer based and our volunteers do their absolute best to shower the animals with love, affection, and care in the short amount of time that they are there," the CARE volunteer told Newsweek. "She has been in several short-term temporary foster homes to give her short breaks from the shelter, and it is very clear to see how much more relaxed she is in a home versus the shelter."
Sadly, despite these temporary stays, Misty has yet to find anything permanent. That's what made her friendship with Peachy, another dog in the shelter, so special.
"Misty and her best friend Peachy met in the shelter over the summer," the CARE volunteer said. "We have play sessions with some of our dogs to allow them the chance to socialize, practice play etiquette, and burn off some extra energy. It is also a great enrichment opportunity for the dogs! These play groups were how Misty and Peachy originally met and the rest is history."
While it's not uncommon for dogs to play with one another, the bond between Misty and Peachy was different.
"Misty and Peachy had an instant connection and over the months that both of them were at the shelter together, their friendship blossomed into something truly beautiful," the CARE volunteer added. "They began to match each other's energy levels, match each other's pace on walks, and it was clear to see both dogs light up when they saw each other."
Together they enjoyed long walks, games of tug-of-war and relaxing while eating frozen peanut butter Kongs. Sadly, for Misty, it didn't last. Peachy was adopted and, try as they might, staff couldn't find Misty a dog who could take Peachy's place.
"Once Peachy was adopted, we immediately got Misty into other playgroups to try to smooth the transition of her Peachy leaving," the CARE volunteer said. "She has done great with the other dogs she has played with but definitely still seems like she is looking for Peachy when she plays."
While Misty has always been a very adaptable dog and staff remain confident that, in time, she will be just fine, there is a lingering sadness that she has yet to find a home of her own.
In a video posted to the shelter's TikTok last week, it expressed concern that Misty is "all alone again" now that Peachy has been adopted and that she "doesn't understand why no one wants her." The video goes on to warn that "this sweet girl is losing hope."
The video currently has over 9,500 views and over 2,300 likes.
Despite these difficulties, staff have a clear idea of what kind of home Misty would be best suited to.
"Misty is a sweetheart who absolutely loves to play with other dogs. She is great at matching other dogs' energy levels which makes her the perfect play companion," the CARE volunteer told Newsweek.
"She is also a total water dog and would be over the moon if she was able to take trips to the dog beach. Misty is smart and very food motivated which means that she has been very easy to train at the shelter and she knows her basic commands. She is also a master at snuggling when it is time to wind down."
Best off with an active family with kids over the age of five, the hope now is that Misty can follow in Peachy's pawsteps and find a place of her own to call home.
English (US) ·