Every shelter dog scheduled for euthanasia needs a miracle, yet only a rare few are fortunate enough to receive one. The rest, heartbreakingly, end their life journey far too soon.
What breaks my heart even more is that many dogs aren’t even coping with medical or behavioral issues. They’re primarily placed on euthanasia lists due to a lack of space in overcrowded shelters. In other words, if people pass them by, there’s nothing that can be done.
Bruce, a sweet, friendly dog surrendered to a Georgia shelter, knows this situation all too well. He was just on his way to be euthanized, though not ready to say goodbye, when a man showed up.
Bittersweet Rescue
Bruce’s life wasn’t sweet or easy. After being picked up as a stray and adopted into a family, this pup ended up in the shelter one more time.
He was gradually shutting down in DeKalb County Animal Services in Georgia, hoping to get his second chance at life. Sadly, all he and a few more dogs received instead was a ticking clock. As no one showed interest in Bruce, he was eventually scheduled to be euthanized due to lack of space.
Learning about this situation, the team at RescueMeATL, a non-profit organization advocating for shelter dogs, immediately rushed into action. They posted Bruce’s story on social media, hoping that someone would finally notice him.
However, days passed, and no one showed up. Bruce, who was out of time, was next in line to receive his “fatal injection” along with several other pups.
Then, a miracle unfolded!
Just as he received his sedative before euthanasia, a man named Todd Smith showed up for Bruce. He literally saved his life at the last minute, leaving everyone in tears.
“Yesterday was his last day on this earth. He was sedated for euthanasia and the process to end his life began,” Leah Lindsey Thomson, shelter dog’s advocate, wrote in the post.
In the video posted by RescueMeATL, Bruce is seen walking toward freedom after his future foster dad waited for five hours for him to recover from sedation.
Bruce, whose life was about to end that day, was finally free!
Sadly, according to the Georgia rescue organization, this sweet black-and-white pup was the only one who made it alive that day, which makes Bruce’s rescue bittersweet.
“Bruce is the only dog who made it out of DeKalb county alive today from the euthanasia list,” the organization wrote in the video.
Ready For A Forever Family
Bruce’s rescue is nothing short of a miracle, and his foster dad knows it!
Currently, Todd does everything in his power to make Bruce’s stay in a temporary home as comfortable as possible. Thanks to his dedicated efforts, Bruce is already thriving.
He finally gets to run freely, enjoy long, comfy cuddle sessions with his dad, car rides, and fabulous walks on a leash.
According to Jennifer Galloway, one of the shelter volunteers who worked with Bruce, this sweet boy is finally ready to make another important step in his life.
“He’s now thriving in a loving foster home—and he’s finally ready for the forever family he’s waited so long for,” Jennifer stated in a Facebook post.
There’s no doubt that the family who adopts Bruce will get a loyal, gentle companion. Bruce is a true sweetheart who would love nothing more than to have a family of his own.
“Despite everything he’s been through, Bruce is full of love, loyalty, and a gentle spirit. He adores belly rubs, slow strolls, and quiet cuddle time,” Jennifer added.
Good luck, Bruce! Your perfect home is just around the corner!