One of the most heart-wrenching experiences is witnessing dogs being returned to shelters after being adopted, as the disappointment reflected in their eyes can bring anyone to tears.
This situation is not rare, and sadly, it happened to the star of our story today, too.
Lola found herself back at the shelter not once, but twice in just seven months.
This motivated Lola to give her all to impress the next family that would welcome her home. And that’s precisely what she accomplished.
Third Time’s The Charm
When Cristina Antonucci stumbled upon a pet rescue website, Lola’s striking black-and-white face immediately captured her attention.
Recallin her childhood dog, an English Bull Terrier mix, Cristina decided it was time to meet this adorable pup face to face.
“I remember seeing her sad eyes in the photo and just knew I had to bring her home. She came in with her foster mom and was just the sweetest little thing, sitting on my feet and looking up at me,” Cristina shared with The Dodo.
Lola’s first adoption was made by a teenager who named her Gucci Rose, but she was returned to the shelter after a short period. Her second adoption sadly ended the same way, as the owner lacked prior experience in dog care and could not meet her needs.
Once Cristina learned about Lola’s unfortunate past, she was resolute. She was determined to adopt this gentle pup and give her the loving home she had always deserved.
Upon arriving at her new residence, Lola quickly expressed her gratitude to Cristina for providing a second chance.
“On the first night after bringing her home, she curled up on top of me for hours, hugging me. I was amazed at how swiftly she adjusted to me, having only spent the drive back together. It felt as if she was truly thankful, and I realized then that I couldn’t let her down,” Cristina reflected.
New Life
Unfortunately, Lola’s past experiences had taken a toll on her, causing her to develop a few troublesome habits.
Fortunately, her new family was understanding and exercised great patience right from the beginning.
“We faced issues with her digging in the backyard and attempting to get through the fence to engage with the neighbor’s dog. It truly tested our patience, but we knew that if we couldn’t show patience, nobody else would,” she said.
Even during these challenging moments, Christina found herself thankful for Lola, as the dog imparted essential lessons in her life.
“Lola has truly taught me about patience and perseverance. You can’t simply give up no matter the obstacles. None of us are perfect,” she noted.
Fortunately, Lola’s digging phase was short-lived, as she transitioned her focus to becoming the neighborhood possum patrol.
Moreover, her life changed further with the arrival of a new baby brother, Lenny.
Lola embraced her role as the proud big sister, excited to have a playful little companion.
“They have become the best of friends, engaging in playtime endlessly. They may have only known each other for a month and a half, but their bond is evident—they even share the same bed,” she shared.
Christina felt immense joy knowing that she had finally provided Lola with a happy and healthy home.
The small bumps they faced along the way only made this journey more rewarding.
“Returning home each day to spend time with her is the highlight of my life. She has truly found a special place in my heart,” Christina concluded.
