Life on the streets leaves stray dogs without much hope of ever finding a family.
It isn’t until they are rescued and brought to safety that they begin to dream of a happier future. Hungry for affection, they wait eagerly for someone to notice them.
But not every shelter dog has the same chance of being chosen. Older dogs, or those with imperfect appearances, are often overlooked. Sonny, a gentle stray from Michigan, knew this reality all too well.
Hungry For Affection
When Sonny arrived at Jackson County Animal Shelter – Michigan his condition was heartbreaking. He was painfully thin, his nails had grown long, his fur was uneven, and his ears had been clipped. On top of everything, he was battling heartworm.
After suffering neglect and living without love, he seemed broken and hopeless.
The staff at the shelter cared for him, giving him food, treatment, and kindness. Their patience and affection stirred something inside Sonny.
Despite all the suffering he had endured, he held no resentment. Instead, he had so much love to give, and he began to show it in the sweetest way.
Whenever staff knelt down beside him, he would press his head against their chest, gently hugging them as if to say thank you.
His caregivers adored his tender embraces and cherished the love he poured into every hug. Beneath his rough exterior was a heart overflowing with kindness.
“He literally just wants to hug everyone. He just melts into you. It’s almost like he can’t get close enough,” said Lydia Sattler, the Animal Shelter Director.
With steady care, Sonny began to gain weight and recover. Once he was healthy enough, he was placed up for adoption. He waited each day for someone to choose him.
But time kept passing, and no one came. The staff felt crushed watching their favorite pup overlooked again and again because of his appearance.
“He looks awful, but he’s gonna get better. His coat is gonna grow back, he’s gonna gain weight … his ears are never gonna be normal again, but that’s just an appearance,” said Sattler.
Everyone who knew Sonny was cheering him on, hoping he would finally know love. One supporter even paid his adoption fees and pledged to cover his entire heartworm treatment once he found a home.
The Forever Home He Deserves
All that Sonny needed was someone willing to see beyond his scars and love him for who he truly was. Sattler expressed her amazement at his endless affection.
“To meet Sonny is to love him. And, the overwhelming love he has to share after being so neglected is incredible. He’s just so sweet.”
Then, the shelter joyfully announced that Sonny’s wait was over. He had found his forever person, a dad ready to give him the life he always deserved.
Although the staff would miss his warm hugs, they were overjoyed knowing that Sonny would never again be hungry or unloved.
Enjoy your new life, Sonny. You earned every bit of happiness.