Not every dog is born in a happy and loving home.
Heartbreakingly, some pups spend their early days trying to survive. They wait for a moment when kind-hearted people notice them struggling and decide to give them a second chance.
Oakley, a Great Dane and Poodle mix, had been left to fend for himself on the streets. At only three years old, he had already seen how difficult and harsh the world can be.
He was in bad condition. His fur got tangled, and made him feel uncomfortable.
Although Oakley suffered, he tried to stay hopeful. Deep down in his heart, he was just a pup who wanted to love and be loved in return.
Will he manage to leave his difficult street life and turn over a new leaf?
Oakley’s Journey: From Hardship to Hope
Fortunately, Oakley was rescued from the streets. He was taken in by Animal Care and Control in Charlotte, North Carolina, where staff immediately began helping him.
They noticed how malnourished and neglected he was.
Oakley was glad to be in safe hands. He could barely see his new shelter friends through the overgrown hair that covered his face.
The pup moved into a foster home.
A TikTok video shared by @rorys.friends.clt shows the moment he finally received the grooming he had needed for so long.
When the matted curls came off, Oakley began to shine.
His foster family pampered him, and the pup enjoyed it to the fullest. He looked relieved, and was happy because he could see clearly after a long while.
His foster family describes him as sweet and eager to be near people.
However, his past made an impact on his behavior. Oakley guards his food, a habit that formed when meals were not guaranteed. It’s not aggression. It’s fear.
The pup remembers that he spent many days on the streets with an empty tummy and he struggled to find morsels of food.
His fosters are working with Oakley helping him understand that he will never have to fight for food again.
The Search For A New Beginning
The pup is potty trained and crate trained. He gets along well with children and other dogs.
He now needs a home that can offer him structure during meals and a patient family who will stay by his side as he heals.
Oakley is one of the many wonderful dogs waiting for families who understand that healing takes time.
He can become the loving companion he has always wanted to be. He just needs someone who will believe in him.
The doggo remains in foster care. He doesn’t lose hope that someone will finally see not just his past but his potential.
We hope that Oakley will land a home where he finally feels cherished and truly at peace.