UPDATE: A German shepherd named Mabel has finally found her forever home after an exhausting 234 days spent spinning in circles at a shelter in Orange County, California. Her incredible journey to a new life in Alaska has captured hearts and sparked hope for shelter animals everywhere.
Mabel, just 5 years old, exhibited signs of severe stress during her long stay at the shelter. Volunteer Gabriella Conti noticed Mabel’s distressing behavior, stating, “She was so stressed, but once she got out of her kennel, she loved to lay in the kiddie pool.” After witnessing Mabel’s struggle, Conti took to social media, sharing a moving video that garnered over 88,600 views on Instagram.
In a remarkable turn of events, a family in Alaska saw Mabel’s story and decided to adopt her, initiating a challenging logistical journey of 2,400 miles. Initially, flying Mabel in cargo exceeded the budget, causing Conti to lose hope. However, the potential adopter insisted on finding a solution, leading to a connection with a rescue organization capable of transporting high-risk dogs.
After weeks of coordination, Mabel was finally flown to Anchorage, arriving at 1 a.m. and officially beginning her new life. The transport not only saved Mabel but also six other dogs, including one scheduled for euthanasia. Conti and fellow volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure Mabel and her companions made it safely to their new homes.
Since her arrival, Mabel has thrived in her new environment, enjoying a spacious backyard, lakes, and even the thrill of experiencing her first snow. Her new family has shared that she is “loving her new life,” a sentiment echoed by Conti, who expressed relief and joy at Mabel’s transformation.
Social media users are celebrating Mabel’s rescue with heartfelt messages. One commenter wrote, “OMG, this made my day. Mabel, I’m so happy for you and Alaska …you will live the good life.” Others shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of adopting shelter pets and recognizing their potential to become loving companions.
Mabel’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of social media in connecting animals with forever homes. It highlights the urgent need for shelters to find creative ways to showcase their animals and for communities to engage in rescue efforts.
As Mabel continues to explore her new surroundings and embrace her freedom, her tale inspires many to consider adopting pets in need. This heartwarming rescue story has not only changed Mabel’s life but also sparked a wave of compassion and awareness for shelter animals everywhere.
For those interested in sharing their own pet stories, send photos or videos to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the Pet of the Week lineup.
