Senior Shelter Dog Returned After 1 Year And Facing Euthanasia Finds Home

A dog who was on the brink of losing her life after being returned to a shelter has been given a new lease on life.

Star, a 10-year-old female boxer and treeing Tennessee brindle mix, faced a heartbreaking return to a Texas shelter, just a year after adoption, due to a medical issue causing her to "pee blood." After being returned to the shelter, Star faced euthanasia, placed on "Code Red" status, meaning she was just days from losing her life. However, just four days after the article's publication, Star left the shelter with a new loving family.

The adopter from Ohio was touched by Star's story and instantly made plans to drive overnight to the Texas rescue—an almost 19-hour trip. "She's perfect," Star's new owner told Newsweek. "She never leaves my side, and the whole family adores her.

"She was a little nervous on the ride home, but once she got inside the house, she could smell that it was home, and she did her 'happy feet' for a long time," the owner added. "It was precious!"

The joyous moment brought happiness and relief among the shelter staff, too. Nia Odgers, Fort Worth Shelter superintendent, expressed the elation felt by all witnessing Star's departure. "There definitely wasn't a dry eye in the house. But they were all tears of happiness and relief," she told Newsweek. "Seeing Star leave with her new family was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do for the animals in our care. May your light continue to shine bright, sweet Star."

Star is far from the only dog who faces an uncertain fate in rescue. Each year, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, while around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year.

In response to the successful adoption, Chris McAllister, Fort Worth Shelter assistant director, highlighted the broader challenges faced by shelters nationwide.

McAllister emphasized the importance of considering pet adoption. "Star's amazing story helps highlight the challenges being faced by shelters and rescues across the country: We are full." he told Newsweek.

"Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that anyone looking for a new furry family member visit their local shelters, which are filled with loving animals that are there through no fault of their own. If you can't adopt or foster, then consider volunteering. It's going to take a community effort, and our animals deserve nothing less," McAllister said.

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