A 2-year-old dog has finally found a new home after being discovered alive in an apartment with her deceased owner days after their death.
Officers from the Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) in Richmond, Virginia, were called to a home after the local sheriff’s office arrived to issue an eviction notice.
Inside, they made a sad discovery: Kara Bella’s owner had passed away, leaving the dog alone for several days in the apartment.
“We removed Kara from the home at that time and made an effort to contact next of kin. No family members were able to take her, so she remained in our care,” Christie Chipps Peters, the director of RACC, told Newsweek. “She was very sweet—a little shocked, but kind and happy for her bath and the attention she received from our team.”
At just two years old, the pup, described by shelter workers as resilient and friendly, was searching for a new home.
She even passed the “cat test” at the shelter, opening up the homes available to her.
According to Shelter Animals Count, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters in 2023, up 4 percent from 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the previous year.
Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
The RACC shared Kara Bella’s story on its Facebook page and asked potential adopters to come forward. In the comments, people were quick to share their well wishes for the dog.
“Heartbreaking story. Poor girl,” Facebook user Nancy wrote, while another woman named Kathy wrote: “Beautiful. Hope she gets a loving and kind home! So sorry for her owner, very sad.”
“Must have been scared. So sad for her owner,” Missy said.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time a dog has been found alone after their owner’s death, and while dogs may not show grief like humans, there is evidence that they struggle with loss.
Scientific studies have observed behaviors in dogs following a loss, including reduced activity, decreased appetite and stress-induced vocalization.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Kara Bella was given another chance, and just days after the shelter’s post, she was adopted by a new family.
“She is in her new home and thriving,” Peters said. “We hope that she lives a long, happy life with her new family.”