Life has never offered much kindness to Joy, a gentle dog who cannot hear. Her heartbreak began when her former owners left her behind at a crowded shelter, even though she was expecting puppies.
She was confused and deeply hurt, unable to understand why she had been cast aside at a time when she needed comfort and care more than ever.
When her puppies arrived, Joy gave them everything she had. She showered them with affection, hoping each one would find a family that would never leave them behind.
Her wish was granted. One by one, her babies were adopted into loving homes.
Soon after, Joy was transferred to Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary in Kansas, still holding onto the hope that her own chance at love would come next.
A Bright Spirit Who Wins Hearts But Still Waits
It didn’t take long for the staff and volunteers at the sanctuary to fall in love with Joy’s vibrant personality. She enjoyed long walks and had a playful nature that lifted everyone’s spirits.
The team believed she would quickly capture the heart of someone looking to adopt.
“Miss Joy loves going for long walks, playing in the yard, and collecting all the stuffies! She is very playful, sweet, and full of personality. Little tiny bestie is the best companion anyone could ever ask for,” the sanctuary shared on Facebook.
With the care and affection she received, Joy began to settle into her new surroundings and started to dream of the day she’d meet her forever family.
At first, she was filled with hope. But as time passed and she continued to be overlooked, that hope began to dim.
Over the years, Joy has spent time in several foster homes. She loves people deeply, though she tends to prefer the company of larger dogs over smaller ones.
Learning To Communicate
Even though Joy cannot hear, she has learned to understand sign language for many important words and phrases.
She knows how to respond to “I love you,” “good girl,” “sit,” “no,” “leave it,” “peanut butter,” “walk,” “drink,” and “eat.”
She is intelligent and affectionate, yet no one has come forward to meet her.
As she watches other dogs leave the shelter with their new families, Joy remains behind, wondering why she hasn’t been chosen.
Her caregivers continue to reassure her that the right people are out there, waiting to find her.
“… She’s been wondering why she hasn’t been picked yet. We keep telling her she’s the best girl in the world and they always save the best for last,” they wrote on Facebook.
For now, Joy waits with quiet patience, believing that one day soon, she’ll be embraced by a family who will love her unconditionally.
Everyone who knows her hopes that this remarkable dog will finally receive the happy ending she’s been waiting for.
