Senior Dog Overlooked for Months After Surviving Maui Fires Finally Finds Love

Gabrielle LaFrank |

Jan 19, 2024

Nala is a senior pit bull mix who found herself displaced after the devastating Maui fires in August 2023. As thousands of homes were destroyed and pets displaced by the island’s unthinkable tragedy, the Maui Humane Society rescued as many animals as they could. When they reached capacity, shelters across the mainland stepped in to rehome dogs like Nala.

After being airlifted to the Bay Area’s Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, Nala patiently waited her turn for a forever home. While her fellow canines were swiftly adopted, Nala’s wait for a forever family stretched on for months, as adopters continuously overlooked this sweet older gal.

Meet Nala: A Patient, Older Gal With a Heart of Gold

Shelter Dog Waits Months for Adoption After Surviving Maui Fires

Even though Nala was rescued by the Maui Humane Society long before the tragic fires, her real adventure began in August, when she and other animals received an emergency airlift to California in order to make room for newly-displaced animals on the island. Nala has been beloved at her temporary home, the Bay Area’s Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, and shelter staff did not understand why she was not immediately adopted.

The older Pit Bull is a mellow but joyful gal who is more than willing to spend time outdoors before setting down for a nap. In fact, she’ll be happy to snooze all day too! Everyone who met her knew it was only a matter of time before the right family came along.

Nala Found Her Forever Home With a Couple Who Loves Her As She Is

In December, the sweet shelter dog’s wishes came true, and they came in the form of a well-rounded couple named Liz and David. They have the same interests as the resilient dog, and now they get to enjoy family hikes and family movie nights!

A month after adopting the senior gal, Nala’s parents shared the sweetest update. “Her calm demeanor was really the main reason we wanted her,” the couple explained in a Facebook post from the Alameda shelter. “We didn’t want a hyper dog or new puppy. We wanted an older dog who could be a couch potato but yet go on hikes with us. It worked out perfectly.” Yes–it seems like it did!

Stories like Nala’s are especially moving considering all she’s been through before finding her happily ever after. It can be magical to witness a dog becoming their best selves after overcoming adversity, but nothing is more magical than the trust and love adopters get to build with their new dogs. Congratulations on your new life, Nala!