The Definition of Happiness: A Dog’s Simple Desire
If our canine companions possessed the gift of human speech, it’s likely they would define true happiness in simple yet profound terms: a wonderful family who showers them with adoration and a loving home where they feel safe, cherished, and unconditionally loved. This fundamental desire for belonging and security is inherent in every dog’s heart. Sadly, the reality for many sweet souls is a prolonged struggle to find this very happiness they so rightfully deserve.
A Heartbreaking Wait: 650 Days of Hope and Uncertainty
Chiquitita, a gentle 12-year-old pup, is one such deserving dog who has embarked on a long and arduous quest to find her forever parents and a place to finally call home. For over 650 long days, she has resided within the shelter walls, her days filled with the quiet hope that someone would see the loving companion she has to offer and make her greatest dream of having a family come true. Each passing day adds to the weight of her wait, yet her sweet spirit remains unbroken, her gentle eyes still holding onto the possibility of a brighter future.
A Past of Pain, A Present of Hope:
Chiquitita’s journey to the shelter was marked by unimaginable cruelty. She was tragically used as a bait dog in a dog fighting ring, a brutal and inhumane practice that inflicted both physical and emotional scars. After her rescue from this horrific situation, she was admitted to a shelter, carrying the weight of her traumatic past. Understandably, Chiquitita was fearful and needed time and gentle care to overcome the deep-seated anxieties that lingered. Adding to her challenges, she was also diagnosed with arthritis, a condition that required ongoing management and understanding. The initial shelter, facing the pressures of overcrowding, made the heartbreaking decision to place Chiquitita’s name on their euthanasia list, a devastating prospect for this sweet senior who had already endured so much suffering. Thankfully, a compassionate alumni staff member from the initial shelter reached out to Watauga Humane Society, a rescue organization located in Boone, North Carolina, pleading for them to save Chiquitita’s life. Without hesitation, Watauga Humane Society welcomed the deserving dog into their care, offering her a lifeline of hope. Upon meeting Chiquitita, the staff at Watauga Humane Society immediately recognized the depth of her fear and the immense amount of love she would need to heal. They were captivated by her gentle nature and held onto the hope that her forever family was just around the corner. However, the shelter environment, with its constant noises and slick floors, was far from the calm and comforting space Chiquitita truly needed. As Watauga Humane Society poignantly shared on Facebook, “Shelter life was not for Chiqui. The noises terrified her, the floor was too slick for her comfort, and she was restless. She spent the first two weeks with us hanging out in our admin offices while she adjusted to her new surroundings.” What Chiquitita longed for was a home of her own, with loving parents who would show her, without a doubt, that she deserved to be cherished.
A Glimmer of Happiness, A Heartbreaking Setback:
Fortunately, a wonderful couple with open hearts stepped forward to foster Chiquitita, showering her with the love and patience she so desperately needed. In their care, Chiquitita began to blossom, her fears slowly receding as she experienced the warmth and security of a loving home. She adored snuggling with her foster parents on the couch and enjoyed the simple pleasure of car rides. The consistent love and affection she received allowed her true personality to shine through, transforming her into a happy and thriving pup. To increase her chances of finding her forever family, her dedicated fosters taught her to walk on a leash and took her to adoption events, even sharing her adorable photos with kind strangers they encountered during their walks. Despite her sweet nature and the love she received in her foster home, Chiquitita continued to wait for her happily ever after. The shelter staff believed that the primary reason for her extended wait was her need to be the only pet in her home. When Chiquitita’s initial foster family had to relocate, she moved in with another loving foster family, where her affectionate personality continued to captivate hearts. This sweet pup had so much love to give, often showering her fosters with gentle kisses. In December of 2023, after a significant period in foster care, Chiquitita’s foster family made the joyous decision to adopt her. Tears of joy flowed freely at the shelter as everyone celebrated the long-awaited happiness of their sweet girl, who had spent 650 days waiting for a forever home. Chiquitita, it seemed, had finally found her happily ever after. However, just a couple of months later, a heartbreaking turn of events occurred. Her adoptive family made the difficult decision to surrender Chiquitita back to the shelter, citing their inability to provide her with the specific care she needed. Watauga Humane Society, with grace and understanding, asked the community not to shame the family for making this difficult choice, acknowledging that not every pairing is a perfect match and that finding the right home for every shelter pet is paramount. Despite this disappointment, Chiquitita’s resilient spirit remained unbroken, her dream of finding her forever parents still alive. The dedicated team at Watauga Humane Society continues their unwavering efforts, holding onto the hope that Chiquitita will soon find the enduring happiness she has searched for for so long – a loving family who will cherish her, spoil her with affection, and finally give her the forever home her sweet soul deserves.
