Green Bean came to the Pennsylvania SPCA after being rescued from a dog fighting situation along with 32 other dogs.
Though many of those dogs were quickly adopted, Green Bean spent more than two years waiting in the shelter. Why so long?
As a Pitbull, Green Bean carried a heavy burden of unfair labels – called scary, dangerous, even a monster.
Although he was gentle and loving, few gave him the opportunity to show who he really was.
From Misjudged To Lovable
Rachel, a volunteer at the Pennsylvania SPCA and an animal influencer, was one of the rare few who immediately saw the real Green Bean – a genuinely sweet, affectionate dog.
She felt a connection with him the moment they met at the shelter.
Rachel believed Green Bean’s long stay was due entirely to the stigma surrounding his background, since in every other way, he was ideal.
“He was always smiling for anybody. He was in the shelter for two years, that’s just crazy to me, an animal in the shelter for two years and still be happy to see you,” Rachel told GeoBeats Animals.
Even with all he had been through, Green Bean was a joyful, tail-wagging pup always waiting at the kennel bars for attention.
“He would just come, wag his tail and just literally smiling. That’s what his greeting was like, would come up and just smile,” Rachel added.
Over the course of those two years, the pair developed a strong connection. Rachel often took Green Bean on walks away from the shelter, something he thoroughly enjoyed.
He walked gently on the leash, clearly happy to explore new scents.
“People keep on judging, saying, this dog is scary. I never felt unsafe with him, ever, ever,” Rachel said.
Green Bean’s reaction to toys showed his true spirit – he would light up like a kid on Christmas, full of joy and excitement.
To him, it was simply about being a happy dog with his favorite toy.
Green Bean Going Home
Rachel had always believed Pitbulls were loving and misunderstood dogs, despite their reputation.
“I think that a lot of people don’t give these dogs a chance because they’re just, honestly, I think they’re afraid … People just automatically will think, ‘oh Pitbull, they’re aggressive’, they’re really not, it’s how you train them,” Rachel added.
After two long years, Green Bean was finally adopted into a home that could offer him love, care, snacks, affection, and toys galore.
While Rachel was overjoyed for him, saying goodbye wasn’t easy after the deep bond they had formed.
She wrote in her Instagram post:
“I will never forget the last time I took you out. He didn’t want to go back in his kennel and I said, honey, this is the LAST time I have to put you back in here. I will miss you, but for very good reason. I hope this is not a goodbye, but a see you soon in your new home ❤️.”
Here’s hoping this lovable boy is now living the peaceful, happy life he always deserved.