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Bella, a cheerful and affectionate shelter dog, once greeted everyone she met with enthusiastic tail wags and cuddles. But over time, her joyful spirit began to fade. Her journey to adoption turned out to be far longer and lonelier than anyone expected, and it took a toll on her once-bright personality.
This three-year-old pup was surrendered to the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her previous owner, heartbroken, was forced to give her up after his landlord enforced a no Bully breeds policy. Despite the emotional goodbye, Bella remained optimistic. She was still full of love and eager to meet new people.
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Bella’s outlook began to dim. More than 100 days passed without anyone choosing her. She spent her time confined to a kennel, and the lack of interaction and stimulation slowly chipped away at her spirit. By day 130, the once-playful dog appeared defeated. As seen in the video below, Bella no longer showed interest in toys, attention, or playtime. Instead, she lay silently in her kennel, gazing off in silence.
Recognizing Bella’s deepening depression, the shelter team knew something had to change. They decided to share her story in a new way—by creating a heartfelt sign to hang on her kennel door. It read:
“I try to keep my spirits up but after 130 days in this lonely cage, I’m starting to think no one will ever pick me. I don’t understand. I’m potty trained, well-behaved, love fetch, the kiddie pool, I love the tiniest of children and big humans too.”
In hopes of reaching a wider audience, they also posted a video of Bella on TikTok, not expecting much, but the response was instant.
Within 24 hours, everything changed.
A woman from Delray Beach, Florida, saw Bella’s video and didn’t waste a second. She jumped in her car and drove straight to the shelter, determined to be the first in line. When she met Bella, the connection was immediate. The shelter staff could see the bond forming right away—their energies matched perfectly.
That same day, Bella finally left the shelter for good. She climbed into the car with her new person, leaving behind the kennel that had held her for so long. With a fresh start and a heart full of hope, Bella is now living the life she always deserved—surrounded by love, adventure, and the comfort of belonging.
Please SHARE this story to inspire others to adopt a shelter pet like Bella. Many are waiting for kind people just like you!
@humanebroward Losing hope 💔 Beautiful Bella is usually one of our happiest, most social dogs, but after 4 months of waiting to be adopted, she’s starting to shut-down 😔 Sadly, this 3-year-old was given up by her former owner because the landlord said NO to bulldog breeds 🥺 Now she’s wondering if she will ever find another family 💔 Bella loves getting attention from us, and she is a staff and volunteer favorite ❤️ We’re not sure why adopters have passed her by, because Bella is so fantastic! She loves children and is good with other dogs. Bella is hoping you’ll give her a second chance at love 🙏❤️ Thanks to @JRDUNN JEWELERS , Bella’s adoption fee has been sponsored ❤️ If you cannot adopt, please share for Bella 🙏 To adopt or foster Bella (A650497), please start by submitting an application online (link is in bio) and then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL. We’re open 7 days a week at 11am. Call us with any questions 954-989-3977 ext. 6 #rescuedog #shelterdog #adoptme #adoptdontshop #humanebroward #fortlauderdale #florida #dogvideos #video #southflorida #miami #browardcounty #miamidade #dogs #dogoftheday #dogsoftiktok #dogshelter #animalshelter #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #bullybreed #pittie #pittiesoftiktok #pitbull #bella ♬ original sound – Humane Society Broward County
