Pit bulls and pit bull mixes often struggle to find homes at shelters, and "dog returned" stories are far too common among this group. There are so many of them searching for homes today that it can be really tough to stand out and catch a potential adopter’s eye.

Black dogs may also have a harder time finding homes due to “black dog syndrome”, in which large black dogs are perceived by prospective adopters as threatening.

Sora, a pit bull and black labrador mix, had both of those factors working against her when her owner dropped her off at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno. The shelter, the biggest no-kill facility in the Central Valley area, makes a commitment to take care of animals with love and compassion. They help homeless animals find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes.

Sora’s sad history

Not much is known about Sora’s life before the shelter. Her owner simply said that they couldn’t give her the attention she needed. The staff at Valley Animal Center found it perplexing. Sora was a sweet, energetic, and happy dog who would do great in a home. She was eager to please people too.

But, no matter why her old owner left her behind, the shelter wanted to concentrate on finding Sora a bright and happy future. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a lot harder than they expected.

Days turned into months, and months turned into years. Finally, 900 days later, Sora became the shelter’s longest-running resident. The dog started to look sadder and sadder as time went by.

Source: @jjack.iie on TikTok

For about four years, Sora’s view of the world included only what she could see from her kennel bars.

Source: @jjack.iie on TikTok

Of course, the kennel workers did their very best to get Sora outside for play and attention as often as possible. They even got some fabulous photos that really showed off Sora’s beauty and personality.

Sora poses for a photo with her favorite ball

Source: Valley Animal Center, Facebook

Source: Valley Animal Center, Facebook

The sweet girl was a great model for photos, because she clearly knew that those photos were a great way to get potential adopters interested.

During her photo/play sessions, Sora really loved to play with a ball and take a dip in a pool (or even the water bucket she once stuffed herself into!) She wasn’t afraid to show off her unique personality. The shelter team thought that surely an adopter would come forward when they saw how wonderful Sora was.

Source: Valley Animal Center, Facebook

Dog returned - after just one day

When Sora finally got the attention of an adopter who seemed perfect for her, the whole shelter staff was incredibly excited. They had all waited so long for this moment! It was a bittersweet goodbye to Sora. Everyone was happy she was getting a home, but they would all miss her.

Unfortunately, the adoption was short-lived. The next day, the adopter called the shelter and said they were returning her. When Sora returned, she was more dejected than ever. The sad doggo just couldn't understand why nobody ever seemed to want her.

The team kept trying hard to show off Sora’s beauty and skills – and soon, it paid off.

Good news at last!

Sora finally got some truly good news recently. A new adopter saw the pretty black doggo and fell head-over-heels in love. She took Sora home with her and says that it’s like Sora has always been there with her. They are a perfect team!

Finally, Sora got her happily ever after

Source: @spazzara111, TikTok

Sora loves to take naps with her new owner, and she never stops cuddling her mom. Sora’s new adopter says that while people all tell her she saved Sora, she feels that Sora saved her too.

We feel that Sora is so incredibly deserving of a wonderful adoptive home. It took way too many days, and we’re all smiling knowing that Sora finally got her happy ending.

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Dog Finds Happy Ending After Years in Shelter