08-07-2025
Tears Over Face of Dog Alone in Shelter After Only Surviving Puppy Adopted
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A young dog has found herself waiting for a home after the only surviving puppy from her litter was adopted, leaving her alone in the kennel where she gave birth just weeks earlier.
Lily, a two-year-old stray rescued in May, was already pregnant when she arrived at the Fulton County Animal Shelter in Georgia. On the day she was scheduled to be spayed, shelter staff discovered she was in active labor.
Traci Fcas, a long-time shelter volunteer and fosterer, was at the vet clinic that day. She told Newsweek: "It is heartbreaking for a dog to be giving birth in a shelter. It's scary for them and a sad experience. The chance of infection or illness is higher than in a home. We pleaded for a foster for two days, none came."
With no foster home available, Lily gave birth in her kennel where only one of her four puppies survived. A foster stepped in to save that lone pup who needed bottle feeding. But while her puppy found refuge, Lily has remained behind.
A picture of Lily, who has been waiting for a happy ending since arriving at the shelter.
A picture of Lily, who has been waiting for a happy ending since arriving at the shelter.
Traci Fcas Volunteer/Facebook
Despite her hardships, Lily is described as sweet and shy, her tail wagging gently for treats. At just 36 pounds, she's a petite girl who is looking for a quiet foster or adoptive home could be her first real chance at healing.
"Lily didn't want to be a mom, she wasn't equipped for it," Fcas explained. "Her mental and physical state were so compromised from stress. She deserves a calm home to finally feel safe."
Pictures shared on Facebook last month of Lily shared how her "eyes look sad", as she sits waiting in the kennel for her own happy ending.
In 2024, approximately 7 million animals entered U.S. shelters and rescues, according to Shelter Animals Count—an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2023. By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited, contributing to an ongoing capacity crisis in U.S. shelters.
The team at Fulton County Animal Shelter are hopeful that someone will soon come forward for Lily, but so far she hasn't had a single inquiry since arriving.
"A calmer house to let her settle in would be ideal," Fcas said. "A foster home or an adopter or a rescue to take her in is what she needs. The shelter allows fostering for those who live in Georgia, rescues can take her in, and adopters can adopt from out of state but must provide transport and trial adoptions for 30 days are allowed if in Georgia."
Anyone interested in Lily should contact the Fulton County Animal Shelter directly for more information.
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