This is Dutchess — a sweet, loving dog with a beautiful spirit and a face as unique as her heart. When she was just 4 years old, Dutchess was surrendered to Orange County Animal Services (OCAS), and from that moment on, she waited every day, hoping someone would finally choose her.
For over a month, Dutchess sat eagerly at the front of her kennel, tail wagging every time footsteps approached. But time after time, people walked past without giving her a second glance.
Dutchess didn’t know why she kept getting overlooked, but her friends at OCAS had a feeling they knew the reason. Born with two pom-pom-sized cysts under her eyes, Dutchess’ appearance caused visitors to judge her unfairly.
“It doesn’t affect her in any way — except one: people can’t seem to get past it,” OCAS shared in a Facebook post. “The hardest part is hearing the comments: ‘She looks so ugly.’ ‘What’s wrong with her? She’ll never get adopted.’”
Everyone at the shelter knew Dutchess was an incredible dog — full of love, joy, and endless optimism. All she needed was someone who could see past the surface and recognize the wonderful soul inside.
“The heartbreaking part is that Dutchess absolutely adores everyone,” the shelter wrote. “She greets each day with excitement, running up to the kennel doors, always hoping today might be the day.”
And finally, it was.
Rescue Dogs Dream, Inc. (RDD) spotted Dutchess' story on Facebook and wasted no time. Within 48 hours, they had pulled her from the shelter and placed her into a loving foster home.
“This sweet girl got her freedom ride right out of Orange County Animal Services yesterday,” RDD announced on Facebook. “She’s doing great and is so happy to be free!”
Dutchess adapted quickly to her foster home, snuggling up with her foster mom on her first night. What she didn’t know was that adoption inquiries were already flooding in. It wasn’t long before RDD matched her with the perfect family, and Dutchess was officially pre-adopted.
“They had recently lost one of their beloved pets and were searching for the right fit,” RDD shared. “They knew immediately — Dutchess was the one.”
Before heading to her forever home, Dutchess visited a veterinarian, who noticed the cysts might be affecting her vision and causing discomfort. While they weren’t dangerous, the vet recommended having them removed.
A week later, Dutchess underwent successful surgery to remove the cysts. After some rest and recovery at her foster home, it was finally time — her forever family came to pick her up.
Renamed Lena, the once-overlooked pup was overjoyed to meet her new parents and dog sibling. Even while healing, Lena was full of love, and her family showered her with the affection she had been waiting so long for.
Today, Lena is thriving — completely healed and living her best life. She spends her days playing, cuddling, and going on adventures with her family, who couldn’t love her more.
“She’s so sweet and just loves being around us all the time,” Lena’s new parents shared in an update. “She’s a wonderful girl, and we love her so much!”
Even though it’s been a few months since her rescue, Lena’s journey is one her friends at RDD still celebrate every day.
“We’re so happy for our special girl,” RDD wrote. “She’ll be loved and cherished for the beautiful soul she is — forever.”
If you'd like to help more dogs like Lena find their happily ever after, consider making a donation to Rescue Dogs Dream, Inc.
