Shelter dogs live each day with the hope that one day, the right people will walk through the doors and promise them forever love.
Zare, a lovable pup at Livingston County Humane Society in Pontiac, Illinois, carried that same dream in his heart. From the moment he arrived, his affectionate personality and gentle spirit captured the hearts of the staff.
Everyone felt certain it wouldn’t be long before Zare met the family he had been waiting for.
Hoping For His Chance
The staff showered Zare with love, and he eagerly returned it by covering them in kisses. It didn’t take long for him to become one of their favorites.
Still, no matter how much affection Zare received from his caregivers, he craved something deeper — the unconditional love of a family who would call him their own.
Each day, he sat in his kennel waiting for someone to walk through the doors, notice him, and decide he was the one.
In April 2024, his dream seemed within reach. A family promised to adopt him, and Zare’s friends at the shelter felt bittersweet joy. They knew they would miss his cuddles and kisses, but they celebrated the thought of him finally going home.
The Day That Broke His Heart
On the day of his pickup, Zare could hardly contain his excitement. He looked toward the entrance, waiting for the people who had promised him a forever home.
But no one came.
His family never showed up.
The staff felt crushed watching Zare’s hopeful anticipation fade into heartbreak. They hugged him, whispered comfort, and walked him back to his kennel.
Zare lay down on the floor, lowering his head as if trying to hide the pain in his eyes.
Moved by the pup’s sorrow, the shelter recorded a short video of him and shared it on TikTok.
“POV: you thought you were getting adopted last week but your family never showed up for you,” the caption read.
Holding On To Hope
Thankfully, Zare didn’t face his disappointment alone. The shelter team refused to let his spirit break. With their endless hugs and reassurance, he slowly bounced back from the heartbreak.
Even though Zare has now become the shelter’s second-longest resident, he hasn’t stopped believing in his happily ever after.
The staff also continues to cheer him on, convinced the right family will show up soon.
“He is the SWEETEST boy and would be so happy to give someone endless hugs and kisses. His ideal family would be someone who would take him out to run for a little bit, but he loves cuddling up with his person just as much,” a shelter spokesperson said in an interview.
Zare just needs one family to give him a chance. When that day finally comes, he’ll shower them with all the love his big heart has been saving.