Shelter Dog Found As Stray 6 Years After Adoption Has Sweetest Reaction to New Collar and Necklace
Sometimes dogs are returned to shelters after adoption for a variety of reasons including relocation, health issues, or financial difficulties. The transition of going from a home back to a shelter can be traumatizing and confusing for a dog, where they need lots of comfort and support to feel safe again.
Bella the Pit Bull mix was adopted from the Maui Humane Society six years ago. The precious 9-year-old pooch was recently discovered on the streets as a stray and is now back at the shelter, scared and heartbroken. A staff member decided to brighten Bella's day with a zhush for her kennel and a little fashion fun.
@cassondrachristman Imagine Bella's terror realizing she was back at the shelter 6 years later. Now as a senior, 9 years old, she's back to waiting. It's been four months and she hasn't had a single meet and greet. Bella is potty trained, does fabulous being left home alone while her people are at work, she has a playful spirit at home loving to play with her toys and give kisses to her people. She loves sleeping with her humans, getting belly and chest scratches too! Bella has liked mellow dogs best, who won't initiate play and can respect her space, she does need to meet any dogs in the home first, so for other Hawaiian island adoptions and mainland US adoptions she'll need to be the only dog. Bella does not like cats. She's a bit of a homebody and loves to relax at home, she is startled by loud noises out and about and working on enjoying car rides. This sweet full of life girl just needs a home to spend her golden years! Someone ready to watch her flourish and really show them what a loyal sweet girl she is She's waiting at Maui humane society #fyp#seniordog#maui#hawaiitiktok#shelterdog
original sound - cassondra christman
In the TikTok from @cassondrachristman, Bella was lying on her bed when the shelter staff member came in with a bunch of goodies.
"Today senior Bella waited the whole day for someone to choose her," the onscreen text explained. "So I went on in to remodel her room and glam her up in hopes that she might get her first meet-and-greet."
The shelter staffer spread out a bright pink comforter with some stuffed animals, then brought out a special collar and necklace for Bella to wear. The canine cutie's reaction to the bling was priceless.
"When she saw her new collar and necklace, Bella was so excited!" the story continued.
Bella's ears perked up and her tail went into wag mode as she stared at the glamorous accessories. The collar had bright pink flowers, which the pretty Pittie clearly loved. Then Bella was adorned with a pearl necklace to give her proper princess status. The fancy fur baby showed her gratitude with lots of kisses and snuggles.
Bella Loves Affection
According to the social media post, this adorable pooch has been through a lot of heartache.
"Bella was found as a terrified stray in 2019," the text shared. "She was adopted shortly after, then found as a stray again 4 months ago."
The sweet Pittie is potty trained, does well at home alone, and isn't a fan of cats. The caption describes Bella as "loving to play with her toys and give kisses to her people. She loves sleeping with her humans, getting belly and chest scratches too!"
Related: Shelter Pit Bull Rides Through NYC in a Backpack and Gets Best Surprise
Bella hasn't had any meet-and-greets yet, so the Humane Society team is hoping this friendly fur baby gets a chance at a forever family.
"This sweet, full-of-life girl just needs a home to spend her golden years! Someone ready to watch her flourish and really show them what a loyal sweet girl she is," the caption concluded.
For more information on Bella and the Maui Humane Society, visit their website.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 8:10 AM.