Eliza, a sweet and playful pup, arrived at City of San Bernardino Animal Services a few weeks ago and has been waiting for her forever home ever since. But like most dogs in shelters, she’s not a fan of being cooped up in a kennel all day. And she’s not afraid to show it.
Alice Chow, a photographer who visits the shelter regularly to take pictures of the animals, noticed Eliza’s determination to break out of her kennel. Despite being locked up, Eliza was wagging her tail and whining, trying to get Chow’s attention. It was clear to Chow that Eliza was in need of some love and attention.
“She made sure I saw her. She wanted so much love from me. The only clear photos I was able to get were of her sticking her head through the broken kennel gates so she could get closer to me,” Chow told The Dodo.
Chow’s heart melted as she watched Eliza stick her nose through the bent bars of her kennel. She knew she had to help this special pup find a home.
Chow sent the photos to her friend Lois Chisholm, who posted them on Facebook in the hopes of finding Eliza a loving family. Chisholm described Eliza as having a “very puppyish, playful spirit” and included all the information someone would need to adopt her.
Since the post went up, many people have shared Eliza’s story and expressed interest in adopting her. But as of now, she is still waiting in her kennel for the perfect family to come along and give her the love and attention she deserves.
While Eliza’s story has a hopeful ending, not all dogs in shelters are as lucky. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and about 1.5 million of them are euthanized. The reasons for euthanasia vary from shelter to shelter, but overcrowding and a lack of resources are common factors.
One way to help reduce the number of animals in shelters is to adopt instead of buying from a pet store or breeder. Adopting not only saves a life but also frees up space in shelters for other animals in need.
Another way to help is by volunteering at a local animal shelter or donating to an animal rescue organization. Volunteers can help care for animals, walk dogs, and assist with adoption events. Donations can help provide food, medical care, and other necessities for animals in need.
If you’re interested in adopting Eliza or another animal in need, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know, you might just find your new best friend.
