UPDATE: A German shepherd named Mabel has found her forever home after a staggering 234 days at a shelter in Orange County, California. Rescued just in time, Mabel’s heartwarming journey to her new family in Anchorage, Alaska, captures the urgency of animal welfare and the power of social media.
Mabel, now 5 years old, was spotted spinning in circles—a sign of severe stress—while confined to her kennel. Her plight was shared widely, with a touching video by volunteer Gabriella Conti garnering over 88,600 views on Instagram. “Mabel really stood out to me,” Conti explained. “She was so stressed, but once she got out of her kennel, she loved to lay in the kiddie pool and play with volunteers.”
After nearly eight months of confinement and limited outdoor time, Mabel’s situation drew attention from a family in Alaska. The potential adopters were eager to provide her a loving home, but the logistics of transporting a dog over 2,400 miles posed a significant challenge. “Initially, I lost hope,” Conti admitted, noting that flying Mabel in cargo was far beyond budget.
However, the Alaska family persisted, encouraging Conti to keep searching for a solution. Eventually, she connected with a rescue organization that specializes in relocating high-risk dogs from California to Alaska. After weeks of coordination, a flight was secured for Mabel, along with five other dogs, including one scheduled for euthanasia.
On the day of her departure, Conti and fellow volunteers loaded travel crates and transported the dogs from Tustin to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Mabel boarded a cargo plane and arrived in Anchorage at 1 a.m., marking the beginning of her new life.
Since her arrival, Mabel has blossomed. She now enjoys a spacious backyard, walks by the lakes, and even has encounters with moose. “She is finally able to simply be a dog,” Conti said, expressing her joy at Mabel’s transformation. The new family is thrilled with their addition, stating they are “loving her.”
Social media users have celebrated Mabel’s rescue, with comments pouring in on Instagram. “It was heartbreaking watching her spin around,” one user shared. Another added, “OMG, this made my day. Mabel, I’m so happy for you!” The emotional engagement from viewers underscores the profound impact of rescue stories.
This remarkable rescue highlights not only the importance of animal adoption but also the community’s ability to come together for a common cause. Mabel’s journey from confinement to freedom serves as an inspiring reminder of the lives that can be changed with compassion and determination.
As her new life unfolds, Mabel is experiencing her first snow and exploring the great outdoors. Her story is a beacon of hope for other shelter animals still waiting for their forever homes.
For those interested in sharing their own pet stories, Newsweek invites readers to submit pictures and videos to [email protected] for potential feature in the Pet of the Week lineup.
Stay tuned for further updates on Mabel and the ongoing efforts to rescue animals in need.