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MOKENA, IL — It took much longer than they'd hoped, but the staff and volunteers at Mokena's NAWS Humane Society finally got to see off one of their favorites. Yoda—a 5-year-old, big-eared Staffordshire terrier whose previous story of adoption heartbreak had hundreds rallying for him—was adopted July 5. It was a happy twist for the "pocket pittie" who ended up back at the shelter in November 2024, after his first adoption didn't quite go as planned. But this one will be different, Swyndroski is confident. It might have taken 1,000 days, but it happened—and that's what matters. "It was meant to be," she said. "It was so awesome." Yoda met his new family in June at Starry Night Market, an event hosted by Mokena business SunKissed Greenz. NAWS was invited to showcase adoptable pets at the market, in hopes they'd see a match made. "At SunKissed Greenz, our love for dogs runs deep — and Yoda, a longtime resident of NAWS, captured our hearts from the very beginning," said SunKissed Greenz owner Misty Nelson. "We were committed to helping him find the forever home he so deeply deserved." Though Yoda's Internet stardom preceded him, the market was his now-owners' first time meeting him. "They had seen him on our social media," Swyndroski said. "They had seen our posts about him." NAWS staff had spread Yoda's story as widely as possible, in hopes the right home would find him. Yoda had been at NAWS for some time when he was first adopted by a woman in Wisconsin in fall 2024. A week later, Milwaukee Animal Control contacted the shelter to let them know they had Yoda. Shelter Director Victoria Swyndroski contacted who she initially believed would be his longtime owner, and learned heartbreaking news for Yoda: she didn't want him, after all. She wouldn't be coming back for him. NAWS took Yoda back with open arms, ready to give him a fresh chance at finding his person. And so began the plight to find him a home—again, and for real, this time. Volunteers knew their shelter favorite was "smart, brave, and curious," but the match just wasn't made for some time, Swyndroski said. A "stocky little thing" weighing 45 pounds, his ad described him as eager to please, ready to follow basic in exchange for treats. He likes to keep his house nice and tidy and enjoys exploring outdoors. He is brave and curious, investigating unfamiliar sounds and obstacles he might find on walks. What's not to love, they all wondered. The biggest challenge, it seemed, was Yoda's need to be the only pet in a household. "When Yoda first came to NAWS, it became apparent he wasn’t the most social dog," Swyndroski said. "He liked some dogs, but not 100 percent. Not a fan of kitties—he’s a prey-driven little guy. "Pretty much having to be the only pet was really a hurdle for him." They'd gotten interest in him, but it was usually from someone who already has another pet in their home. So they waited, and kept trying. They worked to socialize him. Threw him a birthday paw-ty. Shared his face and story across social media. Their fondness for him deepened each day, as did their drive to make sure the next home would be his forever one. "It's our Yoda," Swyndroski explained. Nelson had also grown quite attached and determined to find him a home. "Our journey to support Yoda began with a meaningful collaboration with Back & Bodyworx. Together, we created a special 'Zen for Two' package: 2 months' supply of dog CBD for Yoda and a relaxing one-hour massage for his future adopter — the gift of calm to nurture the bond between a pup and their new person," she said. "We also had the joy of celebrating Yoda’s birthday, bringing him bags of goodies to lift his spirits and remind him that love was always near, even as he waited. ... Then, something incredible happened." At the June market, Nelson made Yoda their "guest of honor." "It turned out to be the night everything changed," she said. Yoda is the only pet in his new home, and his adopters are already spoiling him with affection, treats—and of course, toys. "The perfect match for him," Swyndroski said. "He could have maybe lived with the right dog, but being the only pet and having their full attention, is really ideal for him." Yoda's owners are busy soaking up every moment with him, she added. It's everything she could have hoped. "He had a little goodbye party from our volunteers," she added. "Everyone was here saying goodbye to him, giving him kisses. He definitely had lots of extra walks, pictures taken, kisses—everybody wanted to get their last love in with him." Nelson was ecstatic that the market helped connect Yoda with his new life. "Yoda’s story is one of hope, resilience, and unconditional love — and now, he’s off to begin a brand-new chapter filled with adventures, belly rubs, and joy," Nelson said. "We are overjoyed to share this happy ending and couldn’t be more grateful for the community that helped make it possible. "Yoda is finally home — and our hearts are full." Yoda was actually one of several NAWS adoptions originating at the event, Swyndroski said. "Everyone here has just been overjoyed," she said, of Yoda's adoption. "It’s a little bittersweet, because we’re all very attached to him. It’s worrisome, almost, wondering if he’s doing OK. But this couple was so great. I don’t have any doubts. He’s set with them. "We’re so relieved, and just so happy for him." Find out more about NAWS and see their adoptable animals on their website.
