A 7-Year-Old Dog Finds Love After Nearly 5 Years in a Shelter, HSDC

DALLAS, TX June 2025 – After nearly five years of patiently waiting at the Humane Society of

Dallas County, Ollie, a 7 year old Shepherd mix, has finally found a home and the hearts of

animal lovers across North Texas are celebrating!

Ollie arrived at the shelter on June 22, 2020, and for over 1,400 days, he watched as countless

dogs came and went. Despite his loving nature and calm confidence, Ollie was passed over

again and again until a local woman named Bobbie visited the shelter earlier this year.

Ollie reminded Bobbie so much of her childhood dog and she instantly couldn’t stop thinking

about him. Determined to build a connection, Bobbie began visiting weekly, spending hours

with Ollie walking, sitting, and just being present. Her consistent love helped Ollie, a dog with

an independent spirit, begin to open his heart and trust again.

In May 2025, the pair’s bond became permanent when Bobbie officially adopted Ollie. The

staff, volunteers and extended DPA and HSDC family celebrated the momentous adoption with

tears, cheers, and a collective sense of joy that only years of dedication can bring.

“This adoption represents exactly why we merged, to amplify our lifesaving capacity and create

more of these perfect, intentional matches,

” said Sarah McGoldrick, VP of Animal Operations.

“By combining DPA’s foster based innovation and volunteer network with HSDC’s trusted

shelter presence, we’re creating a stronger path to rescue.

The merger, announced earlier this year, brought HSDC under the DPA umbrella, forming a

united front in North Texas animal welfare. With this partnership, DPA gained access to a

physical shelter which has expanded its ability to engage the community through volunteering,

fostering and adoption initiatives.

“Ollie’s story is a testament to patience and love but also to what is possible when two legacy

organizations align with purpose,

” said Leslie Sans, Executive Director of Dallas Pets Alive.

Ollie’s adoption journey is a symbol of what the DPA X HSDC partnership was built to achieve.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact info@hsdallascounty.org or

visit www.hsdallascounty.org.

About Dallas Pets Alive

Dallas Pets Alive is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue that promotes and provides the resources,

education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in North Texas. We focus

on rescuing healthy and treatable pets at the greatest risk of being euthanized, reducing owner

surrender through our Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program and opening shelter

kennel space by transporting our animals to partners in cities in need of adoptable animals.

Learn more at dallaspetsalive.org.

Humane Society of Dallas County

HSDC has grown from a home based cat rescue to a dog and cat shelter that has served the community of Dallas County for over 40 years. We foster a respect for all life by providing shelter, love and medical care for all of our animals until they find a loving home. Our mission is to promote adoption and provide a safe, healthy and compassionate environment for the cats and dogs of Dallas County for as long as needed.

Learn more at https://hsdallascounty.org/

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Ollie and new mom Bobbie

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