It’s easy to forget just how overwhelming shelters can feel for animals.
We often see the dedication of shelter staff working tirelessly to give each dog and cat the best care possible. But as much as they try, it’s still not the same as having a family.
Every animal craves individual attention from their own humans—even something as small as a walk, a cuddle, or a playdate can mean the world.
For one pup named Lancer, that longing grew stronger with each passing day.
Hoping For A Friend
Like many dogs, Lancer believed his stay at the City of Mobile Animal Services in Alabama would be temporary. But seven long months later, he was still waiting.
Though his spirit dimmed at times, he never let go of hope. Instead, he found his own way to get noticed.
“Whenever someone would walk past his kennel, he would stick out his paw in an attempt for someone to hold it,” explained Mary Kate Hale, digital media manager for City of Mobile Animal Services, in an interview with The Dodo.
Whenever visitors came to the shelter, Lancer would spring up on his hind legs and press as much of his body as he could through the kennel opening. He would then extend his little paw, waving as if to say, please see me.
More than anything, Lancer wanted a family to love and cherish him.
“Lancer is known for his sweet nature and love of peanut butter. After a round of zoomies, he can be found napping in a shaded spot with his legs sprawled out like a frog’s,” Hale added.
A Paw That Touched Hearts
One afternoon, Lancer tried his usual trick on a volunteer passing by. His irresistible face and outstretched paw worked perfectly—the volunteer couldn’t resist snapping a photo.
They decided to share the picture and Lancer’s story online, knowing it would brighten people’s day.
And brighten it did. The internet immediately fell in love with him.
“Within 24 hours of being posted on Facebook, Lancer caught the attention of his future dad, Nick,” Hale said.
Nick was touched by the photo. He could tell right away that Lancer was a special dog with so much love to give.
After visiting him at the shelter, Nick knew without a doubt that Lancer was meant to join his family. That day, the sweet pup’s dream came true—he finally had someone to hold his paw forever.
Now, Lancer is thriving in his forever home. His days are filled with play, yummy snacks, and naps. Best of all, he’s surrounded by the love and attention he always wished for.
And the sweetest part? Every time Lancer reaches out his paw, Nick is there to hold it—just like he always hoped someone would.