“There is a sadness in her eyes, even on her good days.”
Shyla’s Journey to Finding a Home
Shyla arrived at the Humane Society of Naples in 2020 after being discovered wandering the streets alone. Initially, she was incredibly nervous around new people, requiring time to warm up and feel comfortable. Despite the challenges, her rescuers remained hopeful that she would find her forever home soon.
A Long Wait for Love
Sadly, Shyla’s hope for a family has yet to be fulfilled, and she has now been waiting for over 1,500 days. Once she becomes familiar with someone, Shyla’s playful and goofy personality shines through, but the prolonged shelter life has taken a toll on her spirit.
“Her character is still the same, but you can tell the shelter has made an impact,” said Patrizia Vila, events and outreach coordinator at the Humane Society of Naples. “She usually sleeps in the morning and doesn’t react at all to staff arriving. The best times for her are when we wake her up, play with her in the yard, or go on a run to get a pup cup. There is a sadness in her eyes, even on her good days, as she cannot spend more time with the people she loves.”
The Challenge of New Encounters
Shyla’s journey to finding a home has been complicated by her hesitation around new people. While her shelter friends have done everything they can to facilitate her adoption, her shyness can make it difficult for potential adopters to connect with her.
“Shyla might need a few encounters to get close to someone, and most people aren’t ready to commit to several meetings with a dog before taking them home,” Vila explained.
A Loving Home is What She Needs
Despite her challenges, Shyla’s friends at the shelter are dedicated to making her life as comfortable as possible, but what she truly needs is a loving home of her own. Shyla is capable of living with another dog but prefers a household without young children. It’s essential for her future family to be patient as she adjusts to her new environment.
“Watching movies with her on the couch or bed and falling asleep with her is her dream,” Vila shared.
A Call for Compassion
Shyla’s story is a heartfelt reminder of the impact that shelter life can have on an animal’s spirit. With the right family, she could finally experience the love and comfort she has longed for. If you or someone you know is ready to open their heart and home to Shyla, she may be the perfect companion waiting to bring joy and warmth to your life.