‘Heartbroken' dog returned to shelter because family ‘didn't have time for her'

Miami Herald

15-05-2025

While kennel stress can be gut-wrenching for any surrendered pet, it's hitting one dog in a soul-shattering way at an Indiana shelter.
Stella, a terrier and pit bull mix, is hanging on by a thread at the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers after being bounced around nearly her entire life.
'Transferred to us from an overcrowded shelter. Adopted - then returned after just two days because of separation anxiety,' the shelter said in a May 14 Facebook post. 'Adopted again - and after three years of love, returned once more … because her family 'didn't have time for her.''
Turns out, Stella's owner had a 'demanding new job' that left no time for Stella and her sibling Zebo, the pup's pet profile says.
'Now she's back in the shelter. Confused. Heartbroken. And after 225 days, still waiting for someone to see her,' the shelter continued.
Stella, with her soulful eyes and gentle heart, is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of dog who loves without judgment.
'Stella has a heart full of love and a lifetime of devotion to give. She's housebroken and wonderful with kids of all ages,' her pet profile says. 'Stella thrives with confident people and loves her family fiercely. She's protective, barking at unfamiliar faces, but with patience and reassurance, she warms up beautifully to those who approach her with confidence.'
But because shelter stress has her in a chokehold, she is 'one of the 12 animals in critical emotional decline' at the shelter.
'She can't wait any longer,' the shelter said.
Even though she suffered with separation anxiety, when paired up with her dog sibling, she was able to overcome it.
'Her previous family got her a dog companion to help with her separation anxiety, and it worked,' her profile says. 'Stella loved having a friend by her side, and the two balanced each other perfectly. While she's reactive to dogs outside of her home, she shines when she's surrounded by people who make her feel safe and loved.'
For more information about Stella, visit the shelter's website.
Fishers is a 20-mile drive northeast from downtown Indianapolis.