Some dogs find themselves in shelters through no fault of their own.
One day they are part of a family, loved and cared for. The next, they are left behind with a final goodbye, confused and heartbroken, wondering what they did to deserve it.
That’s exactly what happened to Mochi—a sweet, gentle Pit Bull whose world turned upside down when his family surrendered him to a shelter. The reason? One of their children had developed an allergy to him.
Just like that, Mochi lost the only home he had ever known and found himself behind the cold, unfamiliar walls of a kennel. Still, he held onto hope that one day, someone would see him—not just as a dog, but as a forever friend.
When Fate Stepped In
Viveca, a kind-hearted woman from New York, had fallen in love with Pit Bulls after spending time with her neighbor’s pup. She knew that when the time was right, she wanted to adopt one herself.
At the time, Viveca was dealing with depression and anxiety. She hoped that by adopting a dog in need, she could not only give a second chance to a deserving animal but also find healing in their companionship.
She visited Animal Care Centers in NYC, searching specifically for a silver Pit Bull.
Most of the dogs were barking and trying to get her attention—except one. At the very end of the kennel row sat Mochi, quiet and calm.
Since he didn’t fit the exact description she was looking for, he wasn’t her first choice. But when a shelter volunteer suggested she take him for a walk, Viveca agreed—and that walk changed everything.
After spending just a little time with Mochi, she knew he was the one. She brought him home and was immediately impressed by his gentle nature and impeccable house manners. He was already housetrained and never had a single accident.
From day one, Mochi soaked up the love that Viveca and her husband showered him with. For the first time since being left at the shelter, he felt like he truly belonged.
The bond between Viveca and Mochi grew stronger every day, forming a connection that went beyond words.
“Our bond. It’s really indescribable like it’s magic that can only be felt,” Viveca told GeoBeats Animals.
Mochi became her source of strength—helping her through some of her darkest moments. With him by her side, Viveca began to view life through a new lens.
“I can’t imagine my life without him because he is just my soul dog,” she added.
A Life Full of Love
As time passed, Mochi’s fur began to show signs of age—white hairs slowly appearing across his face. The sight was bittersweet for Viveca, a reminder that her beloved companion was growing older.
“He started to get white and at first, I was really sad that he was aging ‘cause you don’t wanna think about them ever getting to that day. But I saw a quote and it was like, there’s white on their face because you’ve kissed away the color over the years,” she shared.
Despite his loving nature, Mochi has faced judgment over the years simply because of his breed. During walks, people have sometimes avoided him, assuming he was dangerous.
But Viveca knows better—and she’s made it her mission to advocate for Pit Bulls and help others see them for who they truly are.
Mochi doesn’t let the prejudice affect him. He focuses on living a joyful life with his family in New York, soaking up every bit of love that comes his way.
He even has his own Instagram page, where he shares glimpses of his everyday adventures and happy moments.
Mochi, you are a beautiful soul—and it’s heartwarming to see you living the life you’ve always deserved.