While stray dogs roam the streets, they yearn for shelter and for humans who will keep them safe and loved.
When kindhearted people rescue them and bring them to shelters, the dogs’ hearts light up with hope that their biggest dream might finally come true. For some, that wish comes quickly. For others, the wait stretches on for years.
Today’s story is about Higgins, a shelter pup who endured a very long journey before he was finally able to feel the warmth and security of a real home. Even after years passed, this determined dog never gave up hope that his special day would arrive.
Higgins’ Life At The Shelter
Higgins first arrived at the Humane Society of Preble County, a shelter in Eaton, Ohio, when he was just a puppy.
He was adopted not long after, but tragically, the family who took him in failed to keep their promise of giving him a loving life.
“We heard he was nothing more than a dog chained up to a dog house. About a year later, someone walked in with a stray dog — and it was him,” said Leslie Renner, the executive director of the shelter.
Once Higgins was back at the shelter, his determination to find a forever family never wavered, even though he had already been let down. Visitors came and went, but again and again, they chose other dogs.
“People are looking for puppies or dogs that are 6 months old. When he came back he was a year old, and then two and then three,” Renner said.
Shelter staff adored Higgins and kept cheering him on. He was a wonderful dog, but because he didn’t get along well with other cats or dogs, potential adopters overlooked him.
Spending so many years in the shelter also made people assume something was wrong with him.
Finally His Forever Home
For years, staff continued posting Higgins’ photos and sharing his story on social media. Just like Higgins, they never lost faith that he would eventually find the happiness he deserved.
Finally, on day 2,381, a man named Brendon Reed walked into the shelter and announced that he had come specifically to adopt Higgins.
Reed had seen the dog’s picture online and was deeply touched by his story. He immediately knew Higgins belonged with him and couldn’t understand why others had passed him by for so long.
After waiting so many years, Higgins’ dream had finally come true. His friends at the shelter were overjoyed to see him get the ending he had always deserved.
The anxious look that had long marked his face disappeared, replaced with pure joy. He beamed from ear to ear.
“He is just so happy, it’s kind of crazy. He just likes to chillax,” Reed said.
Higgins was now free to be a real dog, running around his yard and soaking up the love his new dad showered upon him. For the first time in his life, he felt truly cherished.