Kina’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and unwavering hope. Abandoned by her previous owners and a cancer survivor, this senior American Bulldog has been waiting for her forever home at Pet Rescue Solutions in South El Monte, California, for five long years.
Abandoned Dog Who Beat Cancer Marks 5 Years in Shelter
Facing challenges, finding solace
Kina’s journey at the shelter began in 2019, a scenario all too common for many rescue animals. Surrendered alongside another dog, the deceiving excuse of a move masked the true reason – Kina, simply put, wasn’t the “better looking” dog. While her companion, an Australian Shepherd, found a home within weeks, Kina was left behind, her once vibrant spirit dampened by the loneliness.
The shelter staff witnessed the emotional toll this abandonment took on Kina. Year after year, she watched her friends get adopted, leaving her with a question etched in her hopeful eyes: “Will today be my turn?”
The reality of shelter life is stark. A 2012 study in the journal Animals revealed the top factors influencing pet selection: appearance, social behavior, and personality. Unfortunately, Kina’s larger size and initial reactivity towards other dogs placed her at a disadvantage.
Adding to her challenges, Kina faced a hidden battle – cancer. But like the fighter she is, she emerged victorious, entering remission and regaining her health. Despite these hurdles, Kina found solace in the little joys at the shelter. Rainwater, the assistant director, shared, “Her favorite thing is to relax on her bed, get treats, and play with the water hose.”
Age and breed: Obstacles on the path to happiness
As much as Kina thrives in the shelter’s care, there’s a yearning for a home filled with love and a familiar routine. Rainwater acknowledges the impact of breed and age on adoption rates. Studies like the one conducted by Priceonomics using Petfinder data show a significant drop in adoption rates for senior dogs compared to puppies. While 95% of puppies find forever homes, that number plummets to 68.2% for their senior counterparts.
Age and breed: Obstacles on the path to happiness
A quiet haven and a second chance at love
Despite the challenges, Rainwater remains steadfast in her mission to find Kina the perfect match. “A quiet home with Kina as the only dog would be ideal,” Rainwater explains. “She’s not aggressive, but a smooth transition is crucial for her well-being. In a calm environment, she blossoms into the most relaxed dog.”
Kina’s story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of a dog who has overcome immense challenges. It’s a call to action for potential adopters to consider opening their hearts and homes to senior dogs like Kina. With a little understanding and a calm environment, Kina can thrive, showering her new family with unconditional love and loyalty. Could you be the one to make Kina’s dream come true?
If you’re interested in adopting Kina or learning more about Pet Rescue Solutions, please contact them at:
- Phone: (626) 758-1977
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: You can search for Pet Rescue Solutions on a general search engine.
Together, let’s rewrite the ending of Kina’s story and give her the forever home she so deserves.
