Dog's Up for Adoption Foster & Adopt
They Call this Shelter Dog the “Total Package” – So Why Has No One Adopted Bessie?
LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL – While most dogs find new families within weeks or months, one shelter resident has watched over 700 days go by without getting adopted. Bessie, a 4-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, has spent over two years living at the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, patiently waiting for someone to give her a chance at a forever home.
Lucky is the Person Who’ll Adopt Bessie
“Bessie is such a wonderful dog, but for some reason she keeps getting overlooked by potential adopters,” said Sara Brisbin, manager at the shelter. “She’s an absolute love – friendly, well-behaved, and just a total sweetheart. We don’t understand why she hasn’t found her perfect family yet.”
Since arriving at the shelter in early 2022, the brindle-coated pup has had to watch as other dogs were adopted time and time again, while she was passed over. Staff and volunteers describe Bessie as a “100% certified good girl” who is both affectionate and fun-loving.
“She’s going to make someone an amazing companion dog,” Brisbin said. “Bessie loves the outdoors and being active, but she’s also a total velcro dog who will soak up all the snuggles and affection you give her. She’s really the total package.”
Bessie’s Counting on You for a Happy Ever After
While being overlooked for so long has surely taken a mental and emotional toll, the shelter notes that dogs like Bessie who finally get adopted often end up being the most appreciative, dedicated pets. After longing for a permanent home for years, they never take having a family for granted.
With nearly 1.1 million dogs going unadopted from shelters each year according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Bessie’s story highlights the ongoing challenges shelters face in finding good homes for all their animals, even the most well-behaved and loving ones.
“Bessie is the kind of dog who will show you every single day how grateful she is that you rescued her,” Brisbin said. “She has so much love to give. We’re begging someone to come meet her soon and take her into their family – she deserves it more than any dog I’ve ever met.”
The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch is urgently seeking Bessie’s perfect forever home. Those interested in adopting her can inquire by contacting the shelter directly.
