If shelter dogs could talk, I imagine the first thing they’d say to every visitor walking past would be something like – “Hey, I’m just a goofy pup who wants to be your best friend for life!”
Or maybe, “Please don’t be scared… all I want is someone to love.”
Unfortunately, for many of them, their appearance is the only thing that speaks. And for one Connecticut Pittie named Biggie, that appearance has held him back.
With cropped ears and weighing nearly 80 pounds, Biggie has spent over 200 days in the shelter waiting for a home.
So far, that home hasn’t come.
From Happy To Depressed In Just A Few Months
Before arriving at Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford, Connecticut, Biggie had already cycled through several shelters. Despite his rough past, he always carried hope and enthusiasm.
But over time, his situation shifted in a heartbreaking way.
In just months, Biggie became one of the most overlooked dogs at the shelter. His strong, bulky build and cropped ears caused visitors to pass him by without giving him a fair chance.
“Someone came to the shelter the other day and said we are looking for a happy go lucky pit bull and we said oh gosh you have to go see Biggie! And they said yeah we did but his ears are scary,” the rescue wrote in a Facebook post.
According to Laura, the director, and the rest of the staff, Biggie was once the first to rush to the front of his kennel to greet people. But lately, he’s been showing signs of sadness.
“Biggie is getting depressed now and doesn’t get up when you go back into the dog room. We are really hoping to find someone to put the waggle back into him,” his caregivers wrote.
When he returns from walks or day trips, he immediately shuts down, bracing himself for the reality of being back in his kennel. Slowly, he’s losing hope that anyone will choose him.
There’s Still Hope
Through his long stay, over 200 days, Biggie has shown he’s anything but frightening.
He’s a giant sweetheart who craves cuddles more than anything. Staff say he enjoys hiking, car rides, and of course, his little “pup cup” tradition whenever he gets to go on an outing.
Despite his size, Biggie actually prefers calm, low-key moments and enjoys being around people of all ages. He’s been introduced to kids, other dogs, and even cats.
Still, the shelter believes Biggie would thrive best in a home where he’s the only pet. This way, he could decompress, adjust, and finally settle into a new life without added stress.
The staff hopes that by sharing Biggie’s story far and wide, someone will look past his appearance and see the loving dog he truly is.
Overlooked shelter dogs like Biggie only need a chance, and once given that, they can become the most loyal companions.
Before his sadness set in, Biggie was a happy, playful, and affectionate dog, and with the right home, that side of him is sure to shine again. All he really needs is patience, kindness, and the chance to be loved.