A dog was rescued from “disgusting” conditions in her previous home, only to spent the next 5 years in the shelter waiting to be adopted — but everyone is holding out hope that Emerald’s happy ending is right around the corner.

Emerald, an 8-year-old boxer mix, has been in the care of The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project in Warren, Ohio since October 2019.

She reportedly lived in “disgusting” and “horrible” conditions in her previous home, and she was found with overgrown nails, skin conditions and covered in urine, according to WOIO. Finally her owners surrendered her because they couldn’t afford her skin allergy medication.

While Emerald was in better hands at the shelter, it has been a challenge to find her a forever home. Over the past 5 years, she been taken home twice, only to be returned when it wasn’t the right fit.

“Emerald has seen many seasons come and go at the shelter over the years and it shows on her face,” Healthy Hearts and Paws Project wrote on Facebook last year. “She longs for attention and loves getting walked by volunteers… She is still waiting on her forever home.”

Like many shelter dogs, Emerald needs just the right family. The staff say she needs time to warm up to people, and needs a family who will be patient and take the time to earn her trust: “If she picks you as a friend, she’ll be by your side until the end,” they wrote.

Emerald does well with cats, but can’t be in a home with small children and is “selective” with other dogs. She is potty trained and leash trained, and a “people pleaser” who will sit on command for treats.

Between living in a home with poor conditions to spending most of her life in the shelter, Emerald has certainly had it tough, but we hope that she finally finds her forever home soon!