Pongo was only a young pup when the person he loved most left him behind.
His owner abandoned him in an apartment without even saying goodbye. Confused and heartbroken, Pongo couldn’t understand why he was suddenly alone. All he knew was that he missed his human and longed to see them again.
When the landlord discovered him, they brought Pongo to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, a shelter in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. The shelter team welcomed him with open arms, determined to comfort the lonely pup and show him that brighter days were ahead.
Pongo Finds Comfort In New Friends
At the shelter, Pongo received plenty of care and affection. The staff made sure he got regular walks and the attention he desperately needed. The three-year-old dog was full of energy and required lots of outdoor time to stay happy and balanced.
That’s where volunteer Danielle Baughman stepped in. She quickly became one of Pongo’s closest friends, taking him on outings to explore beyond the shelter’s walls.
Baughman often brought Pongo to the park and sometimes even let him visit her home, where he loved playing with her cat.
Recently, the kind volunteer took him to a pool, where he got to swim and play alongside his best friend, a dog who had already been adopted.
Pongo never forgets to show how grateful he is.
After every adventure, he gives Baughman gentle kisses, his own way of saying thank you for her love and kindness.
Baughman often shares videos of shelter dogs on TikTok to help them find homes.
Touched by Pongo’s affectionate gestures, she decided to post a short clip of him on her page.
“He always says thank you for our adventures,” read the caption in the video.
In the clip, Pongo rests his head on Baughman’s shoulder and covers her face with kisses, perfectly showing how much she means to him.
Hoping For A Forever Home
Pongo has been living at the shelter for almost two years. While several people have expressed interest, he is still waiting for his forever family.
The nights at the shelter are especially difficult for him. He hates being alone, often climbing out of his kennel to find comfort near other dogs.
For his safety, the shelter built him a special kennel to make sure he stays secure.
Despite everything, Pongo’s love for people never faded. When visitors come by, he gets so excited that he starts jumping with joy.
Baughman believes this enthusiasm sometimes scares potential adopters, who mistake it for rough behavior. But outside his kennel, Pongo is calm, affectionate, and eager to please.
Even though he enjoys his day trips with Baughman, returning to the kennel is always hard. He dreams of the day he won’t have to go back, when he’ll finally have a family to call his own.
His perfect family would enjoy adventures and have the patience to let him adjust slowly.
Pongo still waits with hope in his heart, ready to give endless love to the people who choose him.