It's amazing to be given the opportunity to rescue an animal and change the course of its whole life. One St. Louis rescue was able to open up that chance to the local community when it took in a dog named Shell, who had been surrendered for a heartbreaking reason.
A note was left with little Shell describing her difficult circumstances. The dog's owner had adopted Shell from Stray Rescue of St. Louis but became unable to care for her, due to illness. So the owner's daughter took Shell in, but soon faced her own battle with illness — and later tragically took her own life.
Before this occurred, the owner wanted to make sure her beloved Shell found the perfect new home and asked Stray Rescue to do so. The rescue honored the owner's wishes in finding a new home for Shell. In doing so, Stray Rescue shared the dog's story, which quickly garnered over 1,000 shares. Shell has since found a home and is settling into a new chapter of her life.
Shell has had a difficult life. According to KMOV, she was first adopted by the mother of 46-year-old Crystal Chrisp. When Crystal's mother was no longer able to care for the dog, Crystal took Shell in.
This heartbreaking note left with Shell at the Stray Rescue of St. Louis explains that Crystal was a two-time cancer sufferer and wanted to make sure she had lined up care for Shell before losing her battle.
Ultimately, Crystal took her own life, shortly after leaving Shell in the care of Stray Rescue.
The rescue shared Shell's story on Facebook and began looking for a new home that would honor her previous owner's wishes.
So many people were deeply touched by the story and felt terribly for the little dog, who appears visibly distressed and confused in the picture included with the post.
People were concerned for Shell and all the grieving she was going through.
Many people jumped at the chance to give Shell a new, loving home, and the rescue received a huge number of applications for her adoption.
While they awaited news on Shell's new home, people shared their own experiences rehoming senior dogs.
There were so many beautiful tales of dogs who got to enjoy their golden years in peace, thanks to the kind hearts and open minds of new owners.
It was just a few days later that an update on Shell was shared. The rescue was able to find her the perfect new home!
In a Facebook post, Stray Rescue wrote:
“We have a happy ending to Shell’s tragic story. As most of you know, we received a heart breaking letter on Monday. Shell came to Stray Rescue after her owner passed away. Then, a wonderful lady saw the news segment and knew it was time for her to adopt after losing her Stray Rescue dog Trenton, in July. She just felt so drawn to her. Wasting no time, she filled out an application and was here the very next morning. The two of them hit it off and she knew it was definitely the right time. She says Shell is already running the house, and that they are inseparable. We are honored to have fulfilled the final wish of her Mom, who is no longer with us. We promise she will be spoiled for the rest of her life.”
Everyone was filled with joy for Shell and hoped the successful mission would bring peace to her owner's memory.
Those who have known Shell are hoping that her new owner will keep everyone updated on how she's doing with her new family.
Everyone could tell from Shell's sunny demeanor in the new picture that a great match had been made.
People who have been following the story hope that Shell and her owner will have a great deal of time to enjoy each other's company.
We wish Shell all the best in what we hope is her forever home!
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
