Like many strays, Ryder longed to feel true love from a family of his own.
That dream carried him through difficult days as he wandered the streets of California searching for scraps of food to keep going.
When he was finally rescued and brought into a shelter, Ryder was frail and malnourished, his small body exhausted from the struggle to survive.
With food, care, and affection from the shelter staff, Ryder’s spirit brightened. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that one day he might find humans who would cherish him.
Winning Hearts At The Shelter
Ryder’s path through the shelter system was not simple. After moving between several shelters, he eventually found himself at The Lovejoy Foundation, Inc., a rescue located in Inglewood, California.
There, his sweet and playful nature quickly endeared him to the staff. They adored his affectionate personality and hoped a family would soon recognize the treasure they saw in him.
Yet, weeks turned into months. Ryder remained at the shelter, waiting patiently, wondering whether the moment would ever come when he could leave kennel life behind.
Two years passed, but his hope never faded.
Then one day, a couple arrived at the rescue, not searching for a dog at all but intending to adopt a kitten.
When they met Ryder, everything changed.
“Ryder’s parents originally came to adopt a kitten. However, when they saw Ryder it was love at first sight. They took him home that same day,” The Lovejoy Foundation wrote in a Facebook post.
For Ryder, it felt like a dream. After so long of being overlooked, he had finally been chosen.
Moving into his new home was everything Ryder had been waiting for. His parents adored him instantly and showered him with affection.
Ryder, deeply grateful, responded with endless love of his own.
A Bedtime Routine Filled With Gratitude
As Ryder settled into his new life, the painful memories of his past began to fade.
He reveled in the comfort of his very own bed and blanket, gifts from the family he had long wished for.
His mom, Michele, soon discovered a touching ritual that showed just how much Ryder valued his new life.
Sharing the routine on Ryder’s TikTok account, she melted thousands of hearts.
“Our rescue dog who spent two years in the shelter won’t go to sleep until he’s tucked in for night-night,” a caption shared with the video says.
In the clip, Ryder gently reminds his mom when it is time for bed. Patiently, he waits as Michele helps him into his pajamas.
Before lying down, he nudges his pillow into place, then gazes lovingly at her as she tucks him under his blanket.
Only then does Ryder close his eyes, safe and content, drifting into sleep.
Life with his family has become everything Ryder once dreamed of. He enjoys cuddling close with his parents and spending time with his cat siblings.
“Ryder gazes out at the ocean during the day and cuddles up with his parents and his two kitty siblings at night,” his shelter friends shared on Facebook.
Through Ryder’s TikTok, Michele shares his daily life, reminding the world of the joy rescue dogs bring and encouraging others to consider adoption.
May every pup waiting in a shelter, like Ryder once did, find their chance to be loved and discover their own place in the sun.