She’s been there for over 1,000 days 🥺
Many shelter pets are lucky enough to land forever homes shortly after arriving. But for one pup in Fresno, California, with over 1,000 days in the shelter and two failed adoption attempts under her belt, the experience couldn’t differ more.
Meet Mother Gothal — a Valley Animal Center (VAC) resident since 2021. VAC took in the sweet pup, who instantly stole everyone’s hearts, and promised to find her a forever home. But years passed without a single adoption application, and the staff became concerned.
“She was a staff and volunteer favorite, and no one could understand why she spent that long in our care,” VAC wrote on Facebook.
Valley Animal Center
After almost two years in the shelter, the VAC staff got their hopes up in January 2023, when someone applied to adopt Mother Gothal. They thought the man was a perfect match for Mother Gothal and happily saw them off on adoption day.
But sadly, just a few months later, Mother Gothal returned to the shelter unexpectedly. The staff was just as heartbroken for the pup as she was.
Mother Gothal spent the next few months decompressing at the shelter, reconnecting with old friends and getting to know new ones. The sweet girl’s days were filled with love, as each staff member at VAC doted on her and the other pups, but she still dreamed of a family.
Valley Animal Center
Then, in December 2023, Mother Gothal’s wish came true again. Another family came in to adopt her, and she couldn’t have been more excited.
“She had the biggest smile on her face and the fastest wagging tail as she walked to their car …” VAC wrote.
Mother Gothal and the VAC team knew this family would care for her forever. But the following year, Mother Gothal returned to the shelter again — and this time, all her hopes of ever finding a permanent family were crushed.
“It’s heartbreaking to see her so sad,” VAC wrote on Facebook. “She looks so heartbroken.”
Valley Animal Center
Mother Gothal has remained in the shelter ever since and is still looking for a forever home. She’s become a staple resident at the shelter, not just among staff members but also with visitors of all ages.
One recent visitor, Monica Saldivar, was taken aback by Mother Gothal’s gentle personality and loving spirit, especially when she heard how long the pup had been waiting for a home.
“I got to meet her the other day on a school field trip, and she was just the sweetest thing. I can’t believe [people] walk past her and [do] not want to adopt this doll,” Saldivar wrote in a Facebook comment. “Honestly, her eyes were craving [human] love.”
Valley Animal Center
Mother Gothal’s face certainly reflects her feelings of inner longing and rejection. As her muzzle becomes more grey each month, Mother Gothal’s hope of living out the rest of her golden years with a family dwindles.
Still, the staff at VAC are sure the right home is out there. Mother Gothal may have some requirements for a permanent home, but they’re manageable and worth it for a girl as sweet as her.
“7-year-old Mother Gothal has been searching for her home for over 1,000 days. She is loving and sweet towards people, including kids. She just requires to be the only pet in the household,” VAC wrote. “Can you help find her a home?”
You can see more pictures of Mother Gothal here:
Only time will tell if Mother Gothal’s perfect family will find her, but her caregivers at VAC are doing everything they can to make it happen. Every resident at their shelter deserves their happily-ever-after, but Mother Gothal needs it most.
“We love seeing every dog and cat that comes through our doors get adopted, but what is even better is when one of our long-term residents finally gets their [forever] home,” VAC wrote.
You can inquire about adopting Mother Gothal on here.
To help pups like Mother Gothal get the care they need, you can donate to Valley Animal Center here.
