Adorable Pup Finally Adopted After Being Returned Multiple Times In 525 Days At Shelter

Jan 28, 2019

An adorable puppy rescued promptly from the shelter by a forever family is a heartwarming story that never gets old. However, getting to forever can sometimes take forever. Some pups have a unique temperament that keeps them at the shelter (or keeps them coming back to the shelter repeatedly) over longer periods. This is exactly what happened to Cassie at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton Ohio.

Cassie, a gorgeous mixed breed resembling a hound, spent a total of 525 days at the shelter. During that time, Cassie's journey took several twists and turns, some disappointing and others fantastic. 

Cassie honed her behavioral skills and became quite the friendly lady, thanks to classes at the Dayton Dog Training Club.

Even so, Cassie went home with several families over the course of several months. Each new family brought new hope and excitement to Cassie and the shelter staff.

Unfortunately, Cassie and each of her families parted amicably, and Cassie kept finding her way back to the shelter. Cassie, it seems, is the kind of dog who likes to be the main attraction in her forever home. Despite her calm demeanour and grace, she isn't best suited to homes with small children or other pets.

Knowing this, the shelter utilized social media to further Cassie's cause. They posted her updated info on the shelter Facebook page, keeping the public interested and abreast. Soon thereafter, Cassie starred in a commercial for a local car dealership, the Jeff Schmitt Auto Group.

The commercial showcased Cassie in all of her undeniable cuteness and highlighted her search for a forever home. It also explained a commitment by the auto group to donate $50 to the Humane Society for every test drive completed at the dealership.

It was during this very commercial that Cassie first came to the attention of the woman who became her forever mother, Jessica Hendrickson. Hendrickson was reviewing Cassie's Humane Society society profile when the dealership commercial aired.

"I fell in love with her," Hendrickson said, according to the Dayton Daily News. Cassie and Hendrickson are now family and besties, complementing one another as only dogs and dog lovers can.

 Reports Hendrickson, "She [Cassie] comes up and wants to be petted and have her belly scratched, and she paws at you if you stop. She is so sweet and loving and mellow, super affectionate but also independent. I like that about her."

The staff at the Humane Society wholeheartedly agree. Cassie was a popular resident for her resilient spirit and demeanor as much for her occasionally sad story and a ridiculously happy ending. The day Hendrickson came to pick Cassie up, the entire Humane Society staff were assembled in the lobby, hugging Cassie and crying.

Cassie's well-publicized stay at the Humane Society drew attention to her journey as well as the plight of all shelter animals. To this end, the Jeff Schmitt Auto Group continued its test drive and Humane Society donation drive long after Cassie went home with Hendrickson.

Cassie's adjustment continues, and she is doing quite well. She jumped into bed, curled up and immediately went to sleep shortly after arriving at her newest home. It's a fitting and well deserved ending after enduring the longest stay at the shelter than any other dog in recent history, according to Jessica Garringer, the Humane Society's marketing and development manager.

What do you think of this incredible story? Let us know in the comments and pass this along to your friends and family!