It’s not uncommon for shelter dogs to wait weeks for a home. Even months. But for one eight-year-old pup named Ella, the wait has stretched into five long years.
At a Missouri shelter, Ella, an American Staffordshire Terrier, has spent over 1,826 days watching families pass her kennel. Day after day, year after year, she stood in her tiny enclosure, hoping the next visitors would finally give her a shot at happiness.
But each time, her hope was shattered.
Five Years Behind Shelter Walls
Ella, known as the sweet shelter girl, has remained hopeful even years after her first arrival at the Open Door Animal Sanctuary (ODAS) in Missouri. Today, she’s officially spent more than half of her life behind kennel bars, yet her smile has never vanished.
Recently, Ella’s current foster mom @kaileyktrainsdogs posted a heartbreaking plea for Ella on TikTok, featuring Ella sitting calmly in the grass and smiling.
The video text read:
“Ella has waited five long years in the shelter. She needs a new foster by the end of the month. She’s so deserving of her family, we haven’t lost hope yet.”
This cuddle bug would like to sign up to be someone’s canine best friend. She loves walks but lower energy girly, dog friendly, crate trained, potty trained, all around good girl!! #adoptme #dogsoftiktok #shelterdog #dogtok #fosterdog
After years of living at the shelter, Ella finally got the chance to experience what it’s like to live in a home again. Under her foster’s care, she’s finally been able to play and feel the joy of being loved.
But now, it’s time for this lovely canine to start a brand-new journey.
According to her foster, Ella is sweet, crate trained, and low energy. Yet she loves walkies and would be an amazing addition to a new family.
“This cuddle bug would like to sign up to be someone’s canine best friend. She loves walks but lower energy girly, dog friendly, crate trained, potty trained, all around good girl,” Ella’s foster wrote in the video caption.
Still Hoping
At eight years old, Ella is the kind of dog who melts hearts. Her senior age and affectionate nature have made her a favorite among many volunteers at the shelter.
Still, people keep passing her by.
“Ella is adorable, opinionated, and loves to snuggle. She needs a single-pet home, so she’s been waiting a long time to be chosen,” the Missouri rescue stated on Facebook.
There’s no doubt that Ella has the same quiet optimism that’s carried her through half a decade of waiting. She’s the kind of dog who easily reads moods, leans in when needed, and shows her sassiness in moments that need laughter the most.
After her story was shared on TikTok, messages of support poured in from across the country.
“She deserves to have her happy ending,” one person wrote.
“Oh Ella. you deserve all the love and kindness this world has to offer, I hope someone kind comes along,” another added.
For now, Ella continues to wait. Hopefully, she finally finds the home she’s been dreaming of all these years. Because after 1,826 days of hope, one thing is for sure: Ella hasn’t lost hers.
