She Had the Biggest Smile in the Shelter—Until No One Came for Her

For 2-year-old Isabella, life has never been as tough on her as it is right now. Before coming to the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, FL, about two months ago, she was someone’s beloved pet. Isabella had the coziest bed to curl in at night, the most comfortable spot on the couch, and the most loving owner any dog could ask for. Isabella had a warm home that made her feel safe and cherished. But in one day, her whole world turned upside down. 

@humanebroward Where did her smile go? 🥺 Isabella is usually one of our happiest dogs, with the biggest smile on her face 🙏 But after almost 2 months of waiting for a home, her smile has disappeared 😔 2-year-old Isabella came from a good home, but sadly, her Dad needed to leave for the military and could not find anyone else to take her 💔 Isabella is always friendly and social! She loves her toys and rolls on her belly a lot while playing ❤️ She walks well on leash, comes when called and we’re told she gets along with other dogs. Isabella is very affectionate and is a big love bug, but can jump up when excited. She likes to chew, so will need lots of durable toys. She does very well on a schedule and is already house-trained! ❤️ Isabella has so much love to give, she just needs someone to give her a second chance ❤️ Will you help Isabella get her smile back? 🙏 If you can’t adopt, please share her post 🙏 We adopt out of state and to Canada, but you will need to make arrangements to pick your new pet up ❤️ To meet Isabella or any other pet, please complete a pre-adoption application at www.humanebroward.com (link is in bio) and then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL and the adoption kennels open daily at 11 a.m. ❤️ #rescuedog #shelterdog #adoptme #adoptdontshop #doglover #fortlauderdale #florida #dogvideos #video #bulldogs #doglife #staffy #dogs #dogoftheday #dogsoftiktok #dogshelter #animalshelter #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #staffylove #dog #bulldog #bullybreed #bullylove #pittiesoftiktok #pitbull #pittie #dogtok #bulldogsoftiktok #xlbully #ginger #americanbulldog ♬ original sound – Humane Society Broward County

Her owner — who serves in the military — had to travel for work, and sadly, Isabella couldn’t be part of this plan. That’s how Isabella found herself at the shelter, losing the one family she considered her everything.

The Pain of Being Passed By 

Isabella is no longer the happy-go-lucky dog that staff members and volunteers knew her to be when she first arrived at the shelter. Her face no longer lights up with pure joy whenever someone approaches her kennel. And it’s all because visitors repeatedly treat her as invisible. 

At first, Isabella was hopeful that just one out of the many visitors who pass her kennel daily would quickly notice her and offer her the home she lost. But as weeks flew by without her getting any adoption interest, she started giving up hope.

Isabella
Source: www.tiktok.com/@humanebroward

Being overlooked has pushed Isabella into a level of sadness she never thought existed. With every passing day, she’s finding it harder to hold onto the hope that someone’s coming to rescue her from the miserable kennel life. Her big heart, which was once whole because of being loved right, is now shattered in pieces. Isabella doesn’t understand why nobody even tries to show her attention. But what she’s sure of is that she is ready to start afresh with a loving family that will never leave her behind.

Isabella Needs You — Please Give Her a Home

Isabella’s spark may be completely gone, but her bubbly, playful personality still sits deep inside her—it’s just waiting for the right person to bring it out. If “a social butterfly” had a face, it would be Isabella. She’s a super-friendly pup who loves being around people and other dogs.

Given that she came from a good home, Isabella knows her manners. She’s housebroken, responds to commands, and walks perfectly on the leash. Oh, and Isabella is big on showering her favorite humans with affection. Since she’s obsessed with chewing, Isabella has one request: don’t ever pass a durable toy at the store; bring it to her.

Isabella
Source: www.tiktok.com/@humanebroward

Isabella is desperate to once again experience the feeling of having a home to call her own. If you’d love to make her wish come true, please visit the Humane Society of Broward County’s website for details on her adoption. 

What to Do With Your Dog If You’re Deployed in the Military 

If you’re traveling for a military assignment and can’t tag your dog along (or have no one to live them with), you don’t have to surrender them to the shelter, especially if you won’t be gone for long.

Currently, there are several reputable organizations that offer foster care programs for dog owners who serve in the military. The best thing about these foster care programs is that you’re assured your dog will be well taken care of in your absence, and you’ll be reunited once you’re back home. That way, you don’t have to give up your four-legged BFF. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your pup is in a safe, loving environment.

To learn more about the organizations that offer these services, read our article on what military members can do with their dogs when they’re deployed


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