We are ecstatic to share that after over three years in and out of the shelter, Ophelia has finally been adopted into her forever home! It's been a long journey to happily ever after, but we could not be happier for our girl!

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 marked her one-year anniversary at the shelter, just after her third birthday. 

As a long-term resident of the shelter, our staff and volunteers grew 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. 

After over a year at the shelter with no prospective adopters, animal care staff began looking into other avenues of opportunity to find Ophelia a forever home. In mid-June, staff reached out to our friends at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo (SLO) and arranged a "dog swap" with Ophelia and one of their long-term residents, Bernie. Staff said their goodbyes to Ophelia and then two members of the HSVC team transported her to Buellton, a halfway point between HSVC and Woods. The team at Woods instantly fell in love with our girl and she quickly became a staff favorite. 

Above: Ophelia at Woods Humane Society (left), Bernie on his adventure to HSVC (left-center), and Bernie at HSVC (center right, right). 

Upon arriving at HSVC, Bernie adjusted well and instantly became a staff favorite here with his happy-go-lucky personality. Dee, HSVC's Canine Assistant Animal Care Manager (pictured right), loved hanging out with Bernie and taking him for walks. "Bernie is one of those types of dogs that would just go wherever his people are going. He's a total couch potato, fun, loves to play fetch, and is super easygoing. He loved to go on his morning walks and then just sit and hang out in the shade," said Dee.

In late August, Ophelia found her forever home with a family in SLO County! She is living the dream and we couldn't think of a pup who deserves it more! A few Woods team members recently caught Ophelia out in the wild with her new family, and they couldn't contain their excitement! They took a picture with her and her new owners (left), and we are thrilled to see a happy ending for all!

A few days after Ophelia was adopted, Bernie also found his forever home! He was adopted from HSVC on our fee-waived adoption day in celebration of Clear the Shelters! More on his adoption coming soon. We are so happy both of these incredible dogs got their happy ending. Thank you to the staff at Woods Humane Society, and cheers to more partnerships in the near future!

(Pictured above): Bernie leaving the shelter and saying goodbye to the staff as he is off to his forever home. The lovable senior dog went home to a father and son who fell in love with Bernie's demeanor and chill personality. They loved how well he walked on the leash and how fun he was. He is the perfect match for them and their lifestyle, it was meant to be! Congrats and happy tails to all!