Orange County Animal Services put out an appeal just before the holiday season in December in hopes of finding a home for dog Lena, first named Dutchess. In that call, they expressed their sadness at the harsh comments they heard visitors make about the unique dog. “She looks so ugly,” “How much is this going to cost me?” and “She will never be adopted,” were just some of the judgments people made as they rushed past Lena’s kennel, the shelter says.
“We know that sitting in a kennel every day and watching people walk by on the other side of those bars has to take its toll. It’s especially hard when no one takes a second look at you. When you have to watch other dogs being chosen, walked and brought home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “The heartbreaking thing is that Lena adores absolutely everyone. She runs to the kennel doors every day, excited for a new day, always optimistic. For her, every day brings new people and with it new hope for adoption. Lena doesn’t have a bad day.” Despite being sweet, gentle, energetic and intelligent, no one wanted to give her a chance.
The post was shared thousands of times and flooded with comments from hundreds of interested people until the pup was finally introduced to her new family. The couple took Lena home and helped her through a successful surgery to remove the deformities around her eyes. They regularly take her on walks and other adventures, Rescue Dogs Dream announces.
Since moving in, Lena has graduated from first class in dog school and is on her way to more degrees. Her new family describes her as ‘the sweetest dog they’ve ever met’, but admits she still dares to be naughty at times. “She treated herself to some butter and cheeseburgers off the grill, but we’re working on that.”
