After nearly five years of patiently waiting at the Humane Society of Dallas County, Ollie, a 7-year-old Shepherd mix, has finally found a home and the hearts of animal lovers across North Texas are celebrating!

Ollie arrived at the shelter on June 22, 2020, and for over 1,400 days, he watched as countless dogs came and went. Despite his loving nature and calm confidence, Ollie was passed over again and again until a local woman named Bobbie visited the shelter earlier this year.

Ollie reminded Bobbie so much of her childhood dog and she instantly couldn’t stop thinking about him. Determined to build a connection, Bobbie began visiting weekly, spending hours with Ollie walking, sitting, and just being present. Her consistent love helped Ollie, a dog with an independent spirit, begin to open his heart and trust again.

In May 2025, the pair’s bond became permanent when Bobbie officially adopted Ollie. The staff, volunteers and extended DPA! and HSDC family celebrated the momentous adoption with tears, cheers, and a collective sense of joy that only years of dedication can bring.

“This adoption represents exactly why we merged, to amplify our lifesaving capacity and create more of these perfect, intentional matches,” said Sarah McGoldrick, VP of Animal Operations. “By combining DPA!’s foster based innovation and volunteer network with HSDC’s trusted shelter presence, we’re creating a stronger path to rescue.”

The merger, announced earlier this year, brought HSDC under the DPA! umbrella, forming a united front in North Texas animal welfare. With this partnership, DPA! gained access to a physical shelter which has expanded its ability to engage the community through volunteering, fostering and adoption initiatives.

“Ollie’s story is a testament to patience and love but also to what is possible when two legacy organizations align with purpose,” said Leslie Sans, Executive Director of Dallas Pets Alive!

Ollie’s adoption journey is a symbol of what the DPA! X HSDC partnership was built to achieve.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact info@hsdallascounty.org or visit www.hsdallascounty.org.

About Dallas Pets Alive!

Dallas Pets Alive! is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue that promotes and provides the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in North Texas. We focus on rescuing healthy and treatable pets at the greatest risk of being euthanized, reducing owner surrender through our Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program and opening shelter kennel space by transporting our animals to partners in cities in need of adoptable animals.

Learn more at dallaspetsalive.org.

Humane Society of Dallas County

HSDC has grown from a home based cat rescue to a dog and cat shelter that has served the community of Dallas County for over 40 years. We foster a respect for all life by providing shelter, love and medical care for all of our animals until they find a loving home. Our mission is to promote adoption and provide a safe, healthy and compassionate environment for the cats and dogs of Dallas County for as long as needed.

Learn more at https://hsdallascounty.org/