Those who would like to wish Roseanne a happy anniversary on her “save” date can do so at Cape Coral Animal Shelter on Saturday at 11 a.m. PHOTO PROVIDED

Despite facing many challenges through her life as a canine, one local pup is hoping to find her forever home after being at a local shelter for two years.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter has been looking for the perfect match for “Roseanne,” a senior pit bull around 8 years old who was rescued from an abusive situation in Miami. While finding that fit has come with some bumps, employees of CCAS are determined to find Roseanne what she deserves: a loving home all her own.

This Saturday, CCAS will host a celebration in honor of Roseanne in hopes to spread awareness for dogs facing similar situations.

“First and foremost, the staff and volunteers here at CCAS just love Roseanne, so we wanted to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the day she arrived here from a life of abuse and neglect in Miami,” said CCAS Executive Director Liz McCauley.

“We also hope to raise awareness that shelters like ours always have the best interest of the animal and the adopter in mind as we try to find forever homes for our residents. There has been interest from potential adopters over the past two years, but none were the right fit for Roseanne or for their family and lifestyle.”

Roseanne arrived at CCAS in January of 2021 after being saved from a horrible situation as a breeder dog outside Miami. She was heartworm positive and had suffered the fate breeder dogs face. Although she lived with other dogs in her past life, it became very clear that she now prefers to spend her time with people rather than other animals. McCauley said Roseanne has pretty much every strike against her as far as a shelter dog goes.

“She despises other dogs and cats, she’s a pit bull, she’s a senior, she doesn’t like little kids and — but not all — people,” McCauley said. “She had a foster home for a while where she loved the mom and older kid, but didn’t like the dad. In some meets she likes one person, but not all of them. We like to say she’s ‘very picky with whom she chooses to love!'”

McCauley said the perfect match for Roseanne would be someone that truly understands her quirks and is willing to manage those quirks the rest of her life. An ideal situation would be a home that’s quiet without a lot of visitors, other dogs, or kids.

“She can’t be off leash in an open area or be the kind of dog that goes everywhere with you. However, if you are a homebody and want a faithful companion who loves her toys, the yard, hanging out keeping you company (and she chooses to like you), she could be your best friend,” McCauley said. “She is a love bug who gives kisses to anyone who will let her. Those of us whom she has chosen to love can do almost anything with her — our favorite thing is dressing her up.”

Throughout her time at CCAS, Roseanne was “married” to a fake dog named Bones in 2021 where she adorned the most beautiful wedding gown. She had a special gingerbread sweater for Christmas. She has a “Queen Bee” outfit and for her second anniversary she will shine in a sequined gown that says, “Happy New Year.”

And then there is her toy collection — specifically lobsters. She just loves them, McCauley said, adding, “The laundry volunteers make sure they get washed and returned to her. She often resides in the executive director’s office because we are usually full and she has perfect house manners.”

CCAS opened in March of 2020 and since then they have saved the lives of more than 3,000 abandoned, neglected and abused animals. The affordable care veterinary clinic, open to the public, has treated thousands of animals, some of whom had never seen a vet before.

McCauley said she sees stories similar to Roseanne’s far too often.

“Not a day goes by we aren’t asked to take dogs and cats from similar circumstances throughout the state,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking, but thankfully we are here to help whenever and however we can. We are not even open for two years yet and we have saved over 3,200 animals. Imagine if we weren’t there to help.”

Those who would like to wish Roseanne a happy anniversary can do so at CCAS on Jan. 21 at 11a.m. The shelter is accepting monetary donations to assist in the cost of caring for Roseanne for two years. CCAS is supported solely by private donations and grants and does not receive money from the city, state or national organizations. Every dollar donated supports lifesaving efforts each and every day.

CCAS is at 325 Southwest 2nd Ave. For more information, visit www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj