A dog found abandoned in an apartment with a heartbreaking note now awaits a forever home, which she’s been hoping would happen for over a year.
Dogs Trust, the United Kingdom’s largest dog welfare charity, first welcomed Lola Lou into their care on July 22, 2024, after a real estate agent found her inside an abandoned flat, Public Relations Officer with Dogs Trust, Ellie King, told Newsweek. Now, nearly 480 days later, this senior canine is still waiting for her forever.
The 9-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix was found inside an apartment after being alone for five days. King said Lola Lou had little dog food and no water, but what was left behind was a note that read: “Everything in this flat I no longer want.”
From there, Lola Lou was taken to Dogs Trust Shoreham, where the team started working with her and attempting to find her a forever home. While she waits that day, she’s been moved to a temporary foster home instead of living at the animal shelter.
Shelter environments often lead to behavioral issues in animals, according to a study from the University of Florida. When confined in kennels, animals might suffer from chronic anxiety, social isolation, inadequate mental stimulation and lack of exercise, all of which could lead to a decline in physical and emotional health or behavioral changes.
But despite the complete change in her life, Lola Lou has been nothing but loving, King said. She craves human companionship and is “incredibly affectionate.” And without attention, she’ll break down and become sad.
“We are completely baffled as to how it’s taken her this long to find a home, as we all thought that she’d capture someone’s heart in no time, like she did with all of us,” King said.
Dogs Trust Shoreham held a special speed-dating event for Lola Lou in May, hoping it would connect her with an adopter, but they had no takers.
The team is trying again to share her story through social media, and the November 6 Facebook post quickly garnered attention, reaching over 2,300 likes, 247 comments, and 205 shares as of Friday. However, she is still available for adoption.
“That poor baby! How can anyone leave any animal in that way? She must have been distraught. Thank goodness she is in good hands now,” said one Facebook user.
“It makes me so angry, how people treat animals as a disposable item. She must have been traumatised. Wishing her the best forever home,” another person wrote in the comments.
A third person commented, “Bless her, she is beautiful. Sharing, hoping Lola Lou finds her family soon.”
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