Even though October is primarily known for being all about Halloween, there’s another important event that should be recognized. October is officially National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month.
If you’re thinking that it’s the right time for you to get a dog, your first priority should always be adopting from a shelter. So many rescue dogs are waiting for their forever homes in shelters, and new dogs arrive every single day.
Adopting a shelter dog is not only a rewarding experience because you’re gaining a new best friend, but because you’re truly saving a dog’s life. It’s an experience you will never forget and will genuinely change the lives of both you and a loving dog for the better.
Here are a few heartwarming stories of adopted shelter dogs that will hopefully inspire you to give a dog a home in Adopt A Shelter Dog Month.
1. Bringing Justice Home
In the fall of 2015, Justice was looking for a forever home. She was three years old and already had given birth to puppies, so she was having a hard time. That’s when her new human came to the rescue.
She found Justice on Petfinder.com and knew immediately this was the dog for her. Justice was flown from San Antonio, Texas to Portland, Oregon because that’s how badly her new mom wanted the pup.
She went on to document her and Justice’s experiences together over six months, and it shows just how loving and sweet Justice is. There’s no doubt Justice was grateful to find a home where she’s extremely loved.
This kind of story is why people adopt.
2. Chained Up Dog Gets Forever Home
Chained Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that helps rescue chained up dogs, found Cha-Cha, a four-year-old Pit Bull, and her mother chained to a garage. The dogs had been left on those chains all day, every day.
After they were rescued, Cha-Cha’s mom was eventually adopted, but Cha-Cha was still waiting and waiting. After an entire year, it seemed like there was no hope, but that’s when Emilee saw a post for the pup on Facebook.
Watch the vlog above to see Emilee’s emotional journey as she finally adopted Cha-Cha.
3. Dog Found In Abandoned House Finds Forever Home
Alyssa was looking for a puppy to add to her family of dog and cat adoptees. She was adopted, herself, so she understood the importance of providing a loving home.
Lincoln, a Labrador mix, was originally found in an abandoned house with his litter. He was about five months old and never had any interaction with humans when he was found. The shelter wasn’t sure how interactive he would be due to his situation, and initially Lincoln was terrified of Alyssa.
But Alyssa didn’t give up because she knew that eventually she could make a connection with Lincoln. Now Lincoln is very happy and well adjusted to his new family.
He’s proof you should never give up on adopted dogs.
4. Injured Dog Finds The Perfect Parent
Riley the Labrador was rescued from a hoarding situation in Georgia. There had been over 30 dogs squeezed into one tiny trailer. Rescuers sent her to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts where a vet found that Riley needed a bilateral hip if she was going to live normally.
After lots of therapy, Riley started to heal, but she still needed a forever home. She was being fostered by a volunteer named Celia.
Celia soon realized she didn’t just want to foster Riley; she wanted to adopt her. Even after everything, Riley has such a loving personality that there was no way of resisting her charm.
5. From A Cage To A Forever Home
Chico is an English Cocker Spaniel who was abused on a puppy mill farm. She was in a shelter, but because of her history, she was scared, anxious, closed off, and was even sent back twice.
But with a little persistence and patience, Chico learned to love again thanks to a caring human, Sandy. Sandy didn’t give up on Chico. She heard about his story and knew she couldn’t let him go.
At the beginning Chico needed space, but over time, he warmed up and became the happy dog he was meant to be. This is a story that shows how important it is to not give up on shelter dogs because they can turn out to be amazing pets.
6. Abused Puppy Mill Dog Saved
Coconut was found trapped at a puppy mill. She’d been abused, neglected, and malnourished. Thankfully the ASPCA rescued Coconut from the mill, but then came the next step.
Coconut was traumatized from her experiences, so they had to re-train her how to walk on a leash without being scared, how to interact with other pups, and how to love. After just six weeks, Coconut was like a brand new dog — a dog actually happy to see people.
After everything, Coconut found a home where she knew she’d always be loved for the rest of her life.
7. German Shepherd Saved From Kill Shelter
Eva the German Shepherd’s first family didn’t take care of her properly and never made any time for her. They ended up dumping her at a high kill shelter. She had little hope of surviving.
Luckily, the German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles stepped in before it was too late. Felicia saw Eva at the rescue and knew they had a connection.
Eva realized that this family was much different — one where she was actually loved and cared for, one where she could be confident and secure and could even play with toys like a normal dog.
While her story might have started off rough, Eva now has home where she will be forever loved.
8. Frightened, Matted Dog Learns To Love
Skipper was found with so much matted hair that you couldn’t even see his face. He was unfamiliar with how to play with a toy, how to interact with humans, and how to just be a normal dog.
After two months of rehabilitation with Best Friends Animal Society, Skipper became a whole new dog. You wouldn’t even know what he had been through. Lots of playing also showed his true, bubbly personality.
After seeing Skipper, his human fell in love with him immediately and knew they would be the perfect match. Now, Skipper has a beautiful home where he loves to play, cuddle, and love.
He finally has the chance to live the life of a normal happy dog.
Will you help spread the word about adoption in Adopt A Shelter Dog Month? Do you have a heartwarming adoption story? Then let us know and leave a comment below!
