Every day, we hear various stories from the dog world, filled with both sadness and joy. This highlights the turbulent lives dogs can lead. One particular dog stands out—adopted early by a loving family and seemingly living a happy life. However, a drastic change occurred that proved how situations can turn around overnight.
The mysterious period of her life became the focus of research for those who rescued her after she was found stray in Chicago, Illinois. Employees of Animal Education and Rescue (AEAR) were shocked when contacted by the police about a stray dog, discovering it was Lola, formerly known as Greta, who had been adopted from their shelter back in 2012.
Back To Where Everything Started
“The Police Department contacted us because her microchip led the officer to the original owners who did not respond to his phone call and led to us as the rescue that took the dog in,” they wrote in their July 31 Facebook post.
Sandy, the AEAR founder, immediately initiated a research mission, spending the afternoon trying to uncover what led to Lola’s current situation. She discovered that Lola’s original family had sold her to another owner. Although she obtained a phone number and the new owner’s name, her attempts to find the complete truth were unsuccessful.
“The man that answered the phone said that he doesn’t know any person by that name and has not lost a dog,” Sandy noted. “I’m not so sure he’s telling the truth. It’s hard to say.”
Mystery Solved
After several days of relentless research, Sandy gathered essential details about Lola’s past. The couple who originally adopted her kept her for seven years but divorced in 2020; the husband retained custody for a year before giving her to another family. Lola remained with this family until March 2024, undergoing frequent relocations. Ultimately, she was handed over to a man who took her to a local shelter, leading to her arrival at the North Chicago Animal Control and later AEAR.
Tragically, Sandy later discovered that Lola’s most recent family abandoned her because of her age, claiming no one else wanted her—a misconception, as the shelter was eager to provide her with a loving home.
Finally Settled Down
Lola was in poor condition when she arrived at the AEAR shelter, which was hardly surprising given her ordeal. She was morbidly obese and had difficulty getting around. Her nails were overgrown, but Annie Kane promptly took care of them. The grooming helped her regain some beauty and comfort. Initially, Sandy and her team were hesitant about her chances of being adopted due to her age and weight. However, a compassionate individual named Amanda stepped up, expressing her willingness to foster Lola.
Moved by Lola’s story, Amanda committed to keeping her for life if no permanent home appeared. Thus, this intense and mysterious journey culminated in a heartwarming finale, exemplifying how, despite the challenges, benevolent souls always ensure a happy ending.
