Happy 3rd birthday to shelter pup, Ophelia! The gorgeous German Shepherd has grown up before our eyes after being born at the shelter in April of 2021. She spent the day being spoiled by our staff with special toys, treats, a birthday playdate, a pack walk, and more! We can't believe she's still at the shelter, but we made sure Ophelia felt extra loved on her big day. Help us make Ophelia's birthday wish come true and find her a forever home!

Above: Ophelia at four days old (left), eight-weeks-old (center), and six-months-old (right).

Pretty girl Ophelia was born at the shelter on Easter Sunday in 2021. Her mama, Juliet, gave birth to 13 healthy puppies, and our staff cared for them until each pup was old enough to find their forever families. Ophelia was no exception and was adopted into a home at 8-weeks-old. However, she was returned to the shelter four months later through no fault of her own. Ophelia was adopted for a second time at 6-months-old but was returned four months later due to her energetic personality. April 10th marks her one-year anniversary at the shelter, just after her third birthday. 

As a long-term resident of the shelter, our staff and volunteers have grown to care for Ophelia deeply. Staff insisted on spoiling the sweet dog on her big day. "Every dog deserves to feel loved on their birthday and every day, even if they're in a shelter!" said our animal care staff. Ophelia was treated to a special "Happy Birthday" cookie and a new birthday toy for her milestone. What a lucky girl! Ophelia's human friends also made dog treat party favors, and Ophelia shared them with all her four-legged friends at the shelter.

After birthday treats, it was time for Ophelia's special play date with her best friends at the shelter! She and her fur bestie, Bahn Mi, had a blast romping around the agility yard. Our animal care staff also joined in and gave Ophelia some extra birthday cuddles!

The weather took a turn, but the rain didn't stop our staff from taking Ophelia on a birthday pack walk! Senior Animal Care Associate Natalie gifted Ophelia a birthday girl bandana, tutu, and crown. She proudly wore her birthday gear during an offsite pack walk with her shelter besties Bahn Mi, Pad Thai, and several staff members.

Ophelia told us her birthday wish is to find a forever home, and you can help us make her wish come true! Please share Ophelia's story with your friends, family, and on social media. You never know who will see her and fall in love!

Her ideal home is with a family who can keep up with her active and playful personality. Ophelia knows basic commands and would love an owner who is willing to put in the work to help her learn more. In return, we know she would be a fantastic four-legged companion! This spunky girl gets along with several other dogs at the shelter, but Ophelia is often selective about whom she calls friends. As a larger dog, we feel she would do best in a home with no children or older children who know how to respect her space. Ophelia is also a big nature girl and would love to accompany her new owners on outdoor adventures followed by a nice nap at their feet. 

If you are interested in making Ophelia's birthday wishes come true, stop by the shelter to meet her! She currently calls the shelter home, which is located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai. Visit her any time during business hours Monday - Saturday between 10 am and 4:30 pm. We have no doubt she will capture your heart like she has captured ours!