Anxious dog adopted by real-life angels

Thelma is a true angel on Earth. She’s loving and affectionate, yet calm and gentle. For Thelma, a day spent lounging on the couch sounds like heaven. Most of all, she just wants to be with people. She watches over everyone in her house, making sure they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be. You’ve never met a purer soul.

There was just one problem: Thelma loves people almost too much … and that got her into trouble. In the past, she would get so anxious when left alone that she would try to escape her kennel or dig under the fence. But Thelma’s ideal home was out there — one where she’d never have to miss the company of her people.

Thelma is an 8-year-old big dog with black fur, white paws, and a dusting of gray on her snout. (She also has a halo, but you can’t see that part.) This sweet senior came to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, from a shelter several hours away for a fresh start. That’s one of the most important ways that shelters across the country have reached no-kill — by working together to save pets who need extra care or time.

During her time with Best Friends, Thelma stayed in several foster homes. Each foster volunteer adored their heavenly houseguest, one even describing her as “perfect.” However, she didn’t have the same luck when it came to an adoptive home. Thelma was adopted and brought back twice. Despite everyone’s best efforts, she struggled to adjust when her people needed to leave her alone.

Thelma became the office dog at the pet resource center, so she could spend her days surrounded by people. “She got constant love and attention — her dream,” says Allie Wilson-Seelig, Best Friends foster program coordinator. “But of course, the office isn’t a home.”

Everyone knew that in the right home with a family who could support her needs, Thelma would thrive. And they were right.

Meanwhile, Carrie Angel (yes, that’s her last real name) and her family were ready to welcome a new dog after their last pup, Sugar, passed away several years ago. Initially, Carrie was looking for a little lapdog. But that went out the window when she saw Thelma’s picture online.

“I just saw that face and read her story,” recalls Carrie. She and her husband, Johnny Angel, went to meet Thelma that very day.

At the pet resource center, Allie brought out Thelma, who strode right up to Carrie and Johnny. The couple immediately fell in love with her angelic face and calm demeanor.

[Faces of No-Kill: Beloved senior dog goes home]

Allie shared the best parts of Thelma's personality, as well as the challenges she’d faced. But the Angels weren’t deterred. Carrie’s brother, who has disabilities, is at home full time, meaning this people-loving pup would never have to be alone.

Although bringing home an 80-pound lady was not the original plan, it was clearly meant to be. The Angels signed on the dotted line and officially adopted Thelma. Staff members were thrilled that the loving dog they’d grown so fond of was going home. “I feel lucky that I could be a small part of Thelma's story and journey home,” says Allie.

Thelma made herself right at home before she even got there. On the car ride home, she placed her paw on the armrest and gazed out the window, looking as comfortable as could be.

Soon, she arrived at the Angels’ peaceful house in the country. “Our nearest neighbor is a cow,” says Carrie. “Thelma has the freedom to do whatever she wants, but she chooses to stay right next to us.”

In addition to Carrie and Johnny, Thelma now shares a home with their daughter, Serenity; Carrie’s brother, Jamie; and three feline friends. The kitties’ reactions to Thelma varied: One was curious, one wanted to play, and one was unimpressed. But they’ve all since settled into a comfortable relationship.

So what’s life like for Thelma today? On a normal day, she alternates between relaxing and checking in on Jamie. Then, as soon as she senses Carrie’s car or Johnny’s truck pulling up, she starts prancing with excitement. “As soon as we open that door, she is right at our feet, and she just smiles,” says Carrie. “It's great. She's very happy to see us.”

[Magical fresh start for senior dog]

For Thelma, life is all about simple pleasures like being brushed, feeling the wind on her face during rides in the truck, and, most importantly, being close to her favorite people. She even went to Missouri for her first camping trip. She had a blast exploring the campground and swimming in the river, which she took to like a duck (or should we say, dog) to water.

While her life is certainly full of fun, Thelma’s bond with her new family is so much more. Turns out, they needed Thelma just as much as she needed them.

Carrie recently lost her lifelong best friend and is still navigating the heavy grief. She’s celebrating 14 years of sobriety, but this is the first time she’s faced a loss of this magnitude sober. Meanwhile, Johnny is recovering from two back surgeries. “She helps take our minds off of everything,” says Carrie.

Every night, Thelma curls up at the foot of their bed and stays there until morning, keeping quiet watch. Her consistent presence reminds the Angels that Thelma isn’t just a welcome addition to the family — she was heaven-sent.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.