Rescue Dog Still Smiling Despite a Year With No Adoption Applications

An animal rescue organization in Texas is pleading for dog lovers to consider finding a place in their hearts for Spirit, a three-legged pup who has had zero interest since she was found a year ago.

Spirit, her breed unknown, was taken to Saving Hope Rescue in Fort Worth, Texas, in early 2023 after being found in Rio Grande Valley with severe injuries. She required an immediate leg amputation and struggled to adapt to her new normal, but she has received plenty of love and support from her foster carers along the way.

Despite the lack of interest that Spirit has so far received, Lauren Anton from Saving Hope Rescue told Newsweek that the 2-year-old dog "would make a great addition" to any family. While living with her fosters, she has learnt numerous commands, including sit, lay down, out, and stay, and she's incredibly well-behaved around the house – so what's not to love?

Anton continued: "This girl keeps everyone laughing all day and she loves absolutely everyone she meets. Whether that's men, women, children of all ages, and she always has her kissing booth open for business. Spirit may be missing a leg, but she sure makes up for it with a big personality."

However, there is one slight caveat that potential adopters must consider when it comes to Spirit, as Anton joked that she "snores like an old man at night." She's more than happy to snooze all day at home, but you may just want to invest in some ear plugs first.

Unfortunately, Spirit is just one of 6.3 million animals who end up in U.S shelters each year, 3.1 million of which are thought to be dogs according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). While around 2 million of those dogs manage to find their forever homes (and 2.1 million cats too), there are still millions left waiting to be adopted.

With so many overcrowded shelters across the country, many don't have the physical capacity to take in more animals, and they are financially stretched. While there are still more animals coming through their doors, they're forced to euthanize some to make space. Every year, the ASPCA estimates that 920,000 shelter animals are put down, and although it's a decrease from previous years, it's still far more than anyone wishes to see.

Staff at Saving Hope Rescue don't know why there's been so little interest in adopting Spirit, but the rescue organization hopes that by getting the word out they can find her a forever home.

On January 28 they shared her story in a Facebook post, alongside several images showing the pup smiling regardless of her situation. The rescue organization said they feel "hopeless for Spirit," and that her lack of interest is "about to break our fosters."

She may have been waiting over a year, but they hope that the viral post, which has over 570 reactions and has been shared more than 500 times already, will help find "Spirit's happily ever after."

It's not too late to turn Spirit's fortunes around, and Anton hopes that a loving owner will come forward to give this girl a forever home. For anyone who is interested, she isn't a lot of work, as Anton says that she's "perfectly content with just chilling in the house all day," so could make the perfect companion.

Anton told Newsweek: "She gets along with other dogs and loves to play, but she does chase cats sometimes. She is smart and knows the commands, sit, lay down, step back, out of the kitchen, and stay, and she waits to eat until given the go ahead."

Since her story was shared on Facebook, the viral post has amassed over 120 comments at the time of writing. Many people have shared their hopes that she will find her perfect home, while some people shared their own positive experiences of owning a three-legged pup.

One comment reads: "What a beautiful dog! One of the best dogs I ever had was a rescue dog with a back leg amputated."

Another person responded: "Hope she finds a loving adopter and forever home. It is heartbreaking for these dogs when they are moved from place to place."

"She's so precious. Praying she gets a loving forever home very soon," another person commented.

Do you have any rescue videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.