Terri didn’t have an easy start in life.
Her story began in heartbreak — abandoned in a cemetery by people who left her behind without a second thought. To make matters worse, she was pregnant at the time, desperately trying to survive and protect her unborn puppies.
After weeks of fending for herself, Terri was finally found by rescuers and taken to The Haven Animal Care Shelter in Texas.
Having endured so much pain and betrayal, Terri struggled to trust again. But the shelter team refused to give up on her.
A Life Spent Waiting
The staff at The Haven poured their love and patience into helping Terri heal. Slowly, she began to understand that she was safe and cared for.
It took months of gentle encouragement before she truly let her guard down. But when she did, her loving and affectionate side began to shine, and she quickly became a staff favorite.
Despite her sweet nature, Terri was repeatedly overlooked by potential adopters.
Years passed. Her once-dark muzzle began to turn gray, and her dream of a forever home began to feel more and more distant.
By the time Joshua Kennon started working at the shelter in 2020, Terri was already a senior dog.
But from the very first moment he met her, she made an impression.
“On my first day, I walked in with Terri, and she was jumping on me, giving me kisses and being the sweetest. So from day one, I was attached to her,” Kennon told The Dodo.
The two formed a deep bond. Terri lit up whenever Kennon was nearby, always eager for attention and affection.
When Kennon learned more about her past, his love for her only grew.
Watching her day after day waiting in her kennel, hoping someone would finally choose her, broke his heart.

Kennon believed she was constantly overlooked because she was a black Pit Bull and preferred to be the only pet in the home.
Still, Terri never gave up hope. Even after so many years, she continued to believe that happiness was out there somewhere.
A New Chapter With The One She Loved Most
Two years later, Kennon was preparing to begin his studies at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Though he was excited for this next step, one thought kept weighing on him — he’d have to say goodbye to Terri.
Leaving the shelter also meant leaving her behind — something he realized he couldn’t bear.
That’s when it became clear: he didn’t want to imagine life without her. Kennon made the heartfelt decision to adopt Terri and take her along on this new journey.
At eleven years old, Terri was finally leaving the shelter — with her favorite person by her side.
In her new home, Terri blossomed even more. She became extra cuddly and enjoyed every moment of being surrounded by people who loved her.
“If you ever put her in a group of people, she’ll go to someone and demand pets. I feel bad, because this whole time, all she wanted was just someone to be next to,” Kennon added.

Now living her best life, Terri is full of joy — and it’s all thanks to the one person who saw her worth and gave her a chance.
Kennon hopes that Terri’s story will inspire others to open their hearts to senior dogs, who are so often passed by but have just as much love to give.