When Deja first arrived at Patty Baker Humane Society Naples in 2022, she was already a two-time shelter dog. She’d come from Gulf Coast Humane, where no one had chosen her, and everyone at her new shelter promised they’d do everything possible to change her luck.
At first, no one could imagine it would take long. Deja was gentle, bright-eyed and full of love — the kind of dog who makes you smile the moment you meet her. But somehow, three years later, she’s still waiting.
“Despite nearly three years of waiting, she remains full of love and joy, always eager to meet new human friends,” said Patrizia Vila, events and outreach coordinator at the shelter.
Day after day, Deja curls up quietly in her kennel, watching people walk past. She greets everyone with hope — a wagging tail, a soft look — but still, no one stops long enough to see the best of her.
“She can be reserved at first, but once she trusts you, she’s goofy, energetic and a total love bug,” said Stephanie Lewis, the shelter’s COO. “While she does well in the shelter, her true personality shines when she’s around people.”
At around 10 years old, Deja may be a senior pittie, but she still has so much love left to give. Her dream is simple: a family to call her own, a soft couch to nap on, and a backyard to explore between cuddles.
“Her dream home would be with a loving family, in a house with a yard, where she could be their TV-watching buddy one moment and their wrestling partner the next,” Lewis said. “She’d thrive as the only dog in the home so she can soak up all the love and attention.”
Somewhere out there, Deja’s perfect person is waiting, too — they just haven’t found each other yet. And when they do, all those years of waiting will finally make sense.
If you think that person might be you, reach out to Patty Baker Humane Society Naples to learn more about adopting Deja — and give this sweet girl the happy ending she’s been dreaming of.
