A Happy Ending for Tryla, Who Finds a Forever Home

Every shelter has them: a handful of dogs that, for one reason or another — or sometimes no discernible reason at all — struggle to find a forever home.

That was the case for Tryla, a 7-year-old female pit bull mix who had been living at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation since 2023.

She was a staff favorite, loved for her sweet nature and happy energy. An accident when she was younger led to the loss of one of her front legs, which makes taking long walks a struggle. But despite that handicap, she has all the energy and enthusiasm of a happy, well-adjusted and friendly dog.

Tryla was the subject of a Southampton Press feature story last month, as two Southampton High School students, Sarah Barros and Penelope Butler, members of the school’s Robotics Club, have been working on creating a prosthetic leg for Tryla.

Late last month, things got even brighter for Tryla — she finally found her forever home.

Southampton resident Jon Irwin adopted Tryla, after making several visits to the foundation’s headquarters in Hampton Bays and spending time with her.

Irwin had decided to adopt another dog after his longtime canine companion died several months ago. He said he quickly realized that he would always need a dog in his life, “for mental health reasons,” he said, and added that once he was done mourning his former dog, he started inquiring at the shelter.

He initially showed interest in other dogs, but they were ultimately spoken for. Then, volunteers at the shelter introduced him to Tryla.

“The woman who had introduced me to Tryla was like, ‘I have this dog you might really like,’” he said. “They brought Tryla in and almost immediately I was like, holy s---, this dog is perfect.”

Irwin lives with his father in Southampton, and no other dogs, which made Tryla a great fit. He said he was not deterred by Tryla’s handicap mainly because he had gained confidence that he could care for a dog with special needs after caring for his previous dog when it became ill later in life.

“Because of my experience with my previous guy, I know a bit more about taking care of a special needs dog,” he said. “So that made it much easier of a decision.”

Staff at the shelter said they were overjoyed that Tryla found a home.

“I am just thrilled that Tryla has been adopted by someone who will give her the safe and kind home she deserves,” said Sue Denis, a volunteer and registered nurse who works with several animals, practicing the Japanese restorative art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. “We all loved her at the shelter and we will miss her, but we’re happy she will be in a good home.”

Ashley Bloom, the foundation’s director of shelter services, expressed similar sentiments.

“Tryla was more than just a dog to us at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation,” she said. “She was a symbol of resilience and hope. Jon saw beyond her special needs and opened his heart to give her the love and care she deserves. His compassion and commitment gave Tryla not just a home, but a second chance at life.

“Her journey is a beautiful reminder that with the right person, every animal, no matter their challenges, can find the perfect home.”