For stray dogs wandering the streets, each day is filled with hope that they’ll find someone who smiles back at them.
They yearn to discover their people and offer them all the love in their hearts.
Dolly was one of those pups, overflowing with affection yet with no one to share it with. One day, her paws carried her into a Dollar General in Auburndale, Florida.
As soon as she entered, Dolly bounced happily around as if she knew something good was about to happen.
An Unexpected Friendship
That very same day, a man named Ray stopped by the store.
He was surprised when an employee asked him to help catch a stray dog who had been running excitedly through the aisles.
The moment Ray spotted the cheerful little pup wagging her tail at everyone, he felt his heart soften. He crouched down, petted her, and scooped her gently into his arms.
Ray then contacted Animal Control to let them know about the stray. Since officers couldn’t make it that day, they asked if Ray would be willing to keep her overnight.
Ray was delighted, and Dolly seemed just as thrilled. She showered him with kisses all the way to his house.
From that moment on, she acted as though she belonged there, snuggling next to Ray while they watched Netflix together.
“[…] She crawled up on my shoulder and she just let out a sigh like, ‘That’s it, I’m done. I’m tired, I’m home,’” Ray told The Dodo.
At that instant, Ray realized he wanted her in his life forever.
When Animal Control later checked in, he told them he’d love to adopt Dolly if she didn’t already have a family searching for her.
Dolly’s Stay At The Shelter
Ray’s heart sank when he discovered that Dolly had to be admitted to the Polk County shelter for processing.
Dolly wasn’t happy about leaving him either. She only wanted to go home with the man who made her feel safe.
When it was confirmed that she had no microchip, Ray held onto hope that she could be his after the required waiting period if no one claimed her.
But because the shelter suddenly had to care for over a hundred dogs from a hoarding case, Dolly’s adoption was delayed for weeks.
Ray visited her regularly, but every time he left without her, Dolly’s sadness showed.
“You can tell she was just so sad. Her ears flopped when I had to leave. I was like, ‘Aw.’ I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” Ray added.
Finally Home For Good
Then came the day Ray had been waiting for. During one of his visits, staff told him he could finally bring Dolly home.
When she spotted him, Dolly ran straight into his arms, smothering his face with joyful kisses. Both she and Ray were ecstatic to begin their new life together.
Back at his house, Dolly zoomed across the bed with excitement, overjoyed to finally stay by Ray’s side for good.
Ray was amazed at how easily Dolly settled into his world.
“It feels like she’s always been here. It’s crazy,” Ray said.
Dolly couldn’t stop grinning. She had finally found the dad she had been waiting for, and she gave him all of her love in return.