Lana, the dog once dubbed the “saddest dog in the world,” is once again facing a heartbreaking situation. She’s currently homeless and at risk of being euthanized if no one steps up to give her the loving home she so desperately needs. Her story first touched millions back in 2015, when a photo of her looking completely despondent in her kennel went viral. At that time, her foster family had returned her to the shelter, and the image captured the depth of her sorrow. She was curled up, avoiding eye contact, clearly broken-hearted. That one photo spoke volumes and showed the world what abandonment does to a dog who once felt hope.
Lana was born in Mexico, the smallest pup in her litter—a runt who had to constantly fight with her siblings just to get enough food. Her early life was a struggle, full of competition and survival. She was eventually transported to Toronto, Canada, in hopes of finding a better life. In Toronto, she bounced from one foster home to another. Despite the rough start, she remained a hopeful little dog, eager to find a place where she truly belonged. When she was five months old, it looked like she had finally found her forever family. She was enthusiastic, affectionate, and eager to please. For a while, things looked bright for Lana.
But then came a turning point. One day, while being fed, Lana snapped at the mother of the household. It wasn’t aggression for the sake of being aggressive—it was likely a reaction rooted in her early trauma, a lingering instinct to protect her food. As the smallest of her litter, she probably developed a strong drive to guard her meals. The family, understandably concerned—especially with small children in the home—felt they couldn’t keep her. They brought her back to the shelter. That’s when the infamous photo was taken, showing her completely shut down emotionally. She looked like she had given up on the world.
In January 2016, Lana was adopted again by another family who promised to love and care for her forever. For a while, things seemed stable. But unfortunately, that home didn’t last either. Now, for the third time, Lana has been returned to the shelter. And this time, the situation is more urgent than ever. If no one comes forward by May 20—just days after her third birthday—she could be euthanized. The nonprofit organization Rescue Dogs Match made an emotional appeal on Facebook: “May 14 is Lana’s birthday. She will be three. Please help find her a foster or forever home. Lana only has until May 20th.”
She’s currently staying at a rescue center that’s overcrowded and struggling to accommodate all the animals. Lana needs someone willing to give her a real chance. Someone patient, loving, and willing to understand that she isn’t like every other dog. Her behavior isn’t about being difficult—it’s about fear, about past trauma, and about needing stability for the first time in her life.
Brenda Dobranski, the founder of Rescue Dogs Match, explained that Lana’s adoption history hasn’t worked out because most people want a cuddly dog who enjoys belly rubs and snuggling in bed. That’s just not Lana. “Lana is a silly, fun girl,” Brenda said, “but she’s not the kind of dog that wants to be petted all the time. She doesn’t want to be in tight, enclosed spaces. She loves having a job to do, and she absolutely loves being outside, regardless of the weather.”
According to Brenda, the perfect home for Lana would be on a farm, where she could spend most of her time outdoors and engage in stimulating activity. She thrives when she has a purpose and space to move freely. She’s not antisocial—quite the opposite. She likes being part of things. She just doesn’t want constant physical attention. That’s not how she expresses or receives love.
“We need to keep Lana’s well-being and happiness front and center,” Brenda emphasized. “It’s not fair to keep moving her from one place to another. Every time she starts to settle in and build trust, she’s uprooted again. That kind of instability sets her back each time. The ideal home for her would be with a mature individual or couple—someone who has time, patience, and a strong commitment to helping her grow and gain confidence.” Lana is naturally sweet and silly—that’s just who she is at her core.
She’s also timid. Strangers make her uneasy at first, but she softens over time with people she trusts. When she’s with strangers or in unfamiliar places, she often shuts down emotionally. That’s why she needs someone who understands dog behavior—someone who can give her space when she needs it, but also slowly help her open up. Another key aspect of Lana’s personality is that she enjoys the company of other dogs. A household with another friendly, well-adjusted dog or a guardian who can arrange playdates with neighboring pups would make a world of difference for her.
No one knows what will happen on May 20. It’s a deadline hanging over Lana like a dark cloud. The possibility of euthanasia looms, despite the countless hours, love, and donations that people have already poured into trying to give her a fair shot. Brenda admitted, “I don’t even want to think about that possibility. So many people have invested time and care into Lana’s future. She deserves a chance.”
Lana’s story is not just about a dog—it’s about how trauma lingers, how deeply it shapes behavior, and how vital it is for us to meet animals where they are. She doesn’t need pity—she needs understanding. She needs someone who sees her for the beautiful, complex, and loving creature she truly is. Time is running out, but hope is not lost. There’s still a chance for someone to step forward and change her life forever.
