A spirited 3-year-old Collie mix named Arce – who was in the care of the Pratt Area Humane Society in Kansas for 600+ days after he was found wandering the countryside in June 2023 – has finally found his forever home, according to KAKE.
Rescued as a puppy, Arce spent his formative years at the shelter.
His story attracted attention when KAKE published a profile piece on the long-term resident in late February. Shortly after that, Arce received fourteen applications. Other animals in the shelter’s care received interest as well.
“[Facebook] users would go to our website or Facebook page and see other animals that they fell in love with,” Pratt Area Humane Society Director Jacqueline Gardner-Folkers said.
After reviewing the applications for Arce, one family caught her attention. Arce was adopted by Katie Gilstrap — an author of children’s books — and her family. He is now affectionately known as Artie.
Gardner-Folkers noticed that Katie was deeply passionate about animals and knowledgeable about canines.
“She talked to me about potentially writing a children’s book about Arce to help emphasize the importance of adopting animals and giving homes and lives and kindness to animals that no one wanted,” Gardner-Folkers said.
Artie’s journey took an even more heartwarming turn when a DNA test revealed his brother, sister, and mother were all living nearby. A reunion is now in the works.
Lady Freethinker is overjoyed to see Artie’s happy ending and hopes all the animals available for adoption at the shelter will find loving homes. His story serves as a reminder to always #AdoptDontShop.
