In every animal shelter, there are pets who are lucky enough to find homes within days or weeks. But there are also souls who wait endlessly — day after day, month after month, year after year — for someone to finally notice them.

In Fresno, California, there is one such soul. Her name is Mother Gothal, and as of today, she has been at the Valley Animal Center (VAC) for more than 1,000 days.

A Hopeful Beginning

Mother Gothal first arrived at VAC back in 2021. She was small, sweet, and always wagging her tail whenever anyone came near.

Staff and volunteers instantly fell in love with her. To them, she was their “favorite,” and everyone believed it wouldn’t take long before this gentle dog found a forever family.

But days turned into months, and months into years. No adoption application came, and Mother Gothal’s long wait began.

Two Chances — And Two Heartbreaks

After nearly two years at the shelter, in January 2023, a man submitted an adoption application for Mother Gothal. On adoption day, she was overjoyed — her tail wagging nonstop, her face glowing as she walked out of the shelter. Staff shed tears of happiness, believing this was finally her moment.

But only a few months later, Mother Gothal was back. No one knew exactly why, only that she had once again been rejected.

She settled back into shelter life, finding comfort in the hugs of staff and the familiar routines. Yet behind her gentle eyes, there was a quiet sadness.

Then, in December 2023, a family came for her. Once again, everyone’s hearts filled with hope. VAC wrote on Facebook:

“She had the biggest smile on her face and wagged her tail the fastest when she went to their car …”

But the joy was short-lived. By the next year, Mother Gothal was returned once again. And this time, it broke everyone’s hearts even more.

The Shelter’s Beloved Resident

Since then, Mother Gothal has remained at VAC. After more than three years, she has become a fixture of the shelter — a face everyone recognizes, a dog everyone adores.

Volunteers and staff love her dearly, but even visitors can’t help but notice her gentle spirit. Monica Saldivar, who recently met her during a school field trip, shared:

“She was so sweet. I couldn’t believe people could just walk past her without wanting to adopt her. Honestly, her eyes are begging for love.”

And yet, despite all the affection she receives at the shelter, no one has chosen to make her part of their family forever.

Time Is Running Out

Every month that passes, her muzzle grows a little grayer. At 7 years old, Mother Gothal is no longer the young puppy that many adopters search for.

But to those who know her, she’s still the same gentle, loving dog who only wants to give her heart to someone.

VAC described her simply:

“Mother Gothal, 7 years old, has been waiting more than 1,000 days. She’s incredibly sweet with people, including children. She only needs to be the only pet in the household.”

A Simple Dream

After so long, Mother Gothal doesn’t ask for much. She just wants to curl up beside someone at night, to hear a kind voice call her name, and to know that in the morning, she won’t be sent back to the shelter again.

Her dream is simple: a home. A place where she can spend the rest of her golden years not as “the dog who always got returned,” but as a beloved family member.

VAC wrote:

“Every animal who comes to us deserves a forever home. But for long-term residents like Mother Gothal, it feels even more special.”

Her Last Chance For Love?

No one knows when — or if — Mother Gothal’s forever family will finally appear. But those who care for her believe she is worth every bit of love, every ounce of patience.

To the right person, she won’t just be a dog — she’ll be the most loyal and grateful companion they could ever hope for.

After 1,000 days of waiting, the hope in her eyes has not dimmed. And all she needs is someone willing to say the words she has been waiting to hear for so long:

“You’re home now.” ❤️

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