Shyla arrived at Humane Society of Naples in 2020 after being found wandering the streets alone. Nervous and uncertain around new people, she took time to warm up, but her rescuers were hopeful that she would soon find her forever family.

Over 1,500 Days of Waiting

Sadly, that day has not yet come. Shyla has now been waiting for over 1,500 days for her home.

Though she’s high-energy, playful, and even a bit goofy once she warms up to someone, the years spent in the shelter have taken their toll.

The Sadness in Her Eyes

“Her character is still the same, but you can tell the shelter has made an impact,” said Patrizia Vila, events and outreach coordinator at the Humane Society of Naples.

“She usually sleeps in the morning and doesn’t react at all to staff arriving. The best times for her are when we wake her up, play with her out in the yard, or take her on a run for a pup cup. There’s a sadness in her eyes, even on her good days, as she cannot spend more time with the people she loves.”

A Family Who Can Offer Patience and Love

Shyla’s journey to find a family is not without challenges. Her hesitation around new people can make it difficult for her rescuers to find the right fit.

“Shyla might need a few encounters to get close to someone, and most people aren’t ready to commit to several meetings with a dog before taking them home,” Vila said.

Shyla’s friends at the shelter continue to do everything they can to make her life as comfortable as possible. Still, what she truly needs is a home where she can be loved.

She can live with another dog but prefers a home without young children. Patience is key as she adjusts, but her dream is simple: “Watching movies with her on the couch or bed and falling asleep with her,” Vila said.