Anyone who has ever volunteered at an animal shelter knows how easy it is to fall in love with at least one of the dogs waiting for a home.
That’s exactly what happened to Katherine Ellis during her first day of volunteering at a shelter in North Carolina.
She had signed up with good intentions: to lend a helping hand and maybe foster a pup or two, but that simple plan quickly turned into one of the most life-changing experiences of her life.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Katherine and her partner, Jake, visited the Humane Society of Charlotte to complete their volunteer registration.
Most volunteers leave their first day with smiles and a few sweet memories, but Katherine left with something far more meaningful: a new family member.
As she walked through the shelter, surrounded by kennels filled with hopeful eyes, one particular dog caught her attention and refused to let go.
It was Santiago, the shelter’s oldest resident and the one most often overlooked by potential adopters.
“We had absolutely no intention of getting a dog but day 1 of me signing up to volunteer at @humanecharlotte we walked in and Jake said ‘I am not leaving without this dog,’” Katherine shared on Instagram.
Within minutes, the couple made up their minds. Santiago, who had waited far too long for someone to notice him, was finally going home.
Their adoption video shows him bounding out of his kennel, tail wagging with pure joy, as he stepped into a new life filled with love and security.
The Start of Rookie’s New Life
Once home, Santiago, now renamed Rookie, settled in as though he had always belonged there.
It didn’t take long for Katherine and Jake to realize just how special he was. He was affectionate, gentle, and incredibly bright.
He quickly adapted to their daily routine, proving that senior dogs have just as much spirit and love to give as any puppy.
“He is the friendliest, most loving, and fastest learning pup I have ever met and have never bought something better for $175. Welcome to the family Rookie,” Katherine wrote.
That first night, they went shopping for everything he could possibly need: a warm bed, nutritious food, and plenty of toys. Watching Rookie curl up in comfort after months of waiting behind shelter bars was a sight they would never forget.
Although Katherine had always imagined herself with a small, non-shedding dog, she soon realized that fate had other plans. Rookie turned out to be everything she never knew she wanted and more.
Life with Rookie turned out to be full of joy and laughter. The trio enjoyed long walks through the city, exploring new parks, and stopping for the occasional puppuccino.
Bath time was not Rookie’s favorite activity, but his humans made sure it came with extra cuddles and praise.
Recently, the little family relocated to Chicago, where Rookie quickly adjusted to his new surroundings. He now spends his days exploring new neighborhoods and making friends everywhere he goes.
No matter where they are, Rookie wakes up every morning surrounded by love, something he once could only dream of in his shelter kennel.
What began as a simple act of volunteering turned into something truly extraordinary. Katherine and Jake didn’t just sign up to help animals in need; they gave a forgotten dog a second chance and gained an irreplaceable member of their family.
Rookie, once the most overlooked dog at the shelter, now lives his best life, snuggled up with his people, going on adventures, and soaking up all the affection he deserves.
Sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them.