A once-stray dog who underwent life-changing surgery after suffering a serious eye injury has finally found the loving home she had been waiting for.
Misty Skye arrived at Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in New York City after being transferred from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) in Queens. She had originally been brought in as a stray, but despite her condition, those who encountered her immediately noticed her friendly nature.
“The person who found her said she was incredibly social and clearly loved being around people, even with her injured eye,” said Marlan Roberts, executive director of Best Friends Animal Society’s Pet Adoption Center in New York City.
Little is known about Misty Skye’s life before she entered the shelter system, including how she became injured. What staff quickly learned, however, was that her difficult past had done nothing to diminish her affectionate personality.
“We don’t know much about her life before that, but from the moment she arrived at Best Friends, she’s been affectionate, resilient, and very people-oriented,” Roberts explained. “She’s the kind of dog who immediately wants to say hello.”
Soon after her arrival, veterinary staff were forced to make a difficult decision. Misty Skye’s injured eye was severely damaged and ultimately had to be removed.
“When Misty Skye was found as a stray, her eye was severely damaged and ultimately had to be removed,” Roberts said.
Although losing an eye can be a major adjustment, Misty Skye adapted remarkably well. Staff describe her as confident, curious, and increasingly comfortable in new environments.
“She’s adjusted beautifully,” Roberts said. “She walks confidently on leash, explores new spaces with curiosity, and continues to grow more comfortable every day.”
Despite her resilience, Misty Skye faced another heartbreaking challenge: being repeatedly overlooked by potential adopters.
Research has shown that shelter animals often have only brief opportunities to make an impression. A 2014 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that visitors typically interact with just one dog per visit, with those encounters lasting an average of only eight minutes.
“Dogs with visible differences are often overlooked,” Roberts noted. “Sometimes, it’s simply uncertainty that gives people pause.”
Fortunately, Misty Skye’s spirit never wavered.
“She’s warm, playful, and full of personality,” Roberts said. “Most of all, she is a total cuddle bug who just wants to be close to her people.”
Roberts believed Misty Skye would thrive in an active, engaged household.
“She loves being part of the action and is always ready for a walk or a little adventure,” Roberts said. “More than anything, she just wants to be near her people and feel at home.”
After months of waiting, that perfect match finally arrived.
Following a long period of being overlooked, Misty Skye has now been adopted and is settling into her forever home.
