Bringing a pet into your home is a truly heartwarming experience. It’s a moment that holds significance not just for the human but for the animal as well, as they finally find a family to call their own.
Sadly, not all animals get the chance to enjoy this wonderful experience.
Research from the ASPCA shows that 6.3 million animals enter animal shelters in the U.S. every year. Among these, around 3.1 million are dogs, with 390,000 not finding homes and facing euthanasia.
Lana, the dog featured in this story, did experience family life, but only for a fleeting period.
Introducing Lana
Lana is a stunning one-year-old Catahoula Mix who arrived at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, as a puppy. Throughout her life, the shelter has remained her only true home.
“Lana came into our care from animal control as a three-week-old puppy along with a litter that her mother was nursing,” stated Ruben Cantu, an animal care adoption supervisor at the Valley Animal Center, to Newsweek.
After her arrival at the shelter, Lana was adopted relatively quickly. Unfortunately, this was short-lived.
Due to her separation anxiety, her new owners felt overwhelmed and decided to return her to the shelter.
Lana felt devastated to be back in her old kennel but chose to remain hopeful.
A Second Chance
Fortunately, in due time, a different family noticed this lovely pup and opted to give her another chance.
Lana was overjoyed to learn she would be going to a new home, putting in every effort to ensure this would be her forever family.
Regrettably, this situation also did not work out.
This lovely dog was returned once more to the Valley Animal Center for the identical reason.
“In both instances, it was challenging to keep Lana contained. She experiences separation anxiety, and when left alone outdoors, she will find a way to escape,” Cantu explained.
Lana was devastated. She simply couldn’t grasp why she wasn’t deemed suitable for a family.
Currently, she spends her days trying to find ways to escape her kennel, seeking a family who will love her for her true self.
The shelter staff is devoted to showing her that it’s not her fault and that a perfect family is out there – she just needs a bit more patience. They are investing time in training her and engaging her in playful activities outside.
I’m confident that one day, this wonderful girl will find a family who loves and cherishes her for who she is and understands that all she needs is a bit more time.
“This sweet girl enjoys running and playing with her shelter friends. Her favorite spot at our facility is the dog park, where she can run and explore freely. We believe she would be an excellent hiking companion or a beloved family member for anyone who enjoys long walks and adventures. Lana does have a tendency to jump high, so she needs a home with a secure fenced yard,” shared a staff member on TikTok.
If you or someone you know can create the loving environment that Lana desperately seeks, please reach out to the Valley Animal Center for further details.
Understanding Dogs and Separation Anxiety
Dogs are inherently loyal and loving creatures who form strong attachments to their human companions.
However, when neglected or left alone for extended periods, they might develop separation anxiety. This condition typically shows itself in behaviors like excessive barking, destructive chewing, and indoor elimination.
Even though this situation can be distressing for both the dog and the owner, it is a challenge that can be managed.
First and foremost, pet owners need to exhibit understanding and patience. Methods like gradual desensitization, mental stimulation, and establishing a calming routine can help the dog feel more secure when left alone.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, don’t give up on them. Seeking professional assistance and providing your pet with the opportunity to overcome this issue is far more beneficial than surrendering them to a shelter, which could exacerbate their anxiety.
