There are so many pets in shelters just waiting for someone to take them home. But sometimes it takes longer for some animals than others to get adopted.

And unfortunately, many animals end up waiting years to find their forever homes… and start to wonder if they’ll ever get out. But no matter how old a dog gets or how long they’ve been in a shelter, they still deserve a chance at happiness.

Now, one shelter is trying to find one of their oldest dogs a new home… using one heartbreaking photo that tells her whole story.

Ginger is a Labrador retriever mix located in Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. She’s a good dog that loves to play… but sadly, no one has ever given her a home.

She’s been at Dogwood Animal Shelter for nearly eight years, waiting behind bars as other dogs get adopted out.

But the shelter is hoping someone takes a chance on Ginger, once they see how long the poor girl has been waiting:

A viral photo shows Ginger looking sad in her kennel, while a sign outside tells her story:

“Hi! I’m Ginger! I’ve been waiting here 7 years, 9 months, 2 weeks and 2 days.”

“I’m a good girl! I promise! I just need a 2nd chance.”

It’s a heart-tugging photo, and it’s certainly gotten people’s attention: it’s currently been shared over 14,000 times in just a day.

Ginger does need to be the only pet in the household, but other than that she’s just a good dog looking for a home. She’s sure to love you forever for giving her the “second chance” she’s been waiting for.

We hope Ginger finds a home soon! If you are interested you can visit or contact Dogwood Animal Shelter and fill out an application!

Let’s find this poor dog a home! Spread the word by sharing this story!

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.