His previous owner didn’t even give him a name 😔
About two weeks ago, a man walked into the Benton-Franklin Humane Society carrying a young golden retriever puppy.
He calmly told the staff he wanted to surrender the dog.
According to volunteer Julie Saraceno, his attitude about the situation felt unusually casual.
“He just said, ‘I have a dog I need to get rid of,’” Saraceno recalled.
A Puppy With No Name
When staff members tried to learn more about the puppy, the man provided very little information.
He said he’d only had the dog for three days and had never even given him a name.
Instead of a proper leash, the puppy had simply been tied to a rope attached to a carabiner clipped onto his collar.
Saraceno got the feeling the man simply didn’t want the responsibility anymore.
Meeting Waffles
Shelter workers soon discovered the puppy was about five months old.
Saraceno decided to give him a fitting name: Waffles, inspired by his soft golden coat.
But Waffles’ arrival at the shelter was overwhelming.
The noise and unfamiliar environment made him nervous. He trembled and looked around anxiously, unsure of what was happening.
A Spa Day That Changed Everything
To help the frightened puppy relax, staff members gave him a warm bath.
The result surprised everyone.
“I’ve never seen a dog so relaxed in a bath,” Saraceno said. “It was like a spa day for him.”
Afterward, Saraceno sat quietly with Waffles in his kennel. Within half an hour, the puppy began to calm down.
Eventually, he curled up beside her and fell asleep.
A New Beginning
With his sweet personality and irresistible looks, Waffles didn’t stay at the shelter for long.
Once he was neutered and ready for adoption, a family quickly stepped forward to give him a home.
Everyone at the shelter was thrilled to see the once-nervous puppy finally getting the love he deserved.
A Reminder About Shelter Pets
Waffles’ story also highlights something many people don’t realize — shelters often have young puppies waiting for homes.
“There are probably at least 10 other puppies here right now,” Saraceno said.
Staff members hope Waffles’ happy ending will encourage others to visit their local shelters and meet the many animals still waiting for a second chance. 🐶💛