It was a heartbreaking scene.
This past February, restaurant staff at Cayjo Peruvian Cuisine in Orlando, Florida, made a heartbreaking discovery: a large white van had been left abandoned in their parking lot. When authorities were called to investigate, what they found inside left them shocked.
The van was in complete disarray. Objects and debris were scattered throughout, and shards of glass protruded from a shattered driver-side window. In the midst of the chaos, curled up and trembling, was a brown dog who had clearly endured hardship.
Mason’s First Days in Shelter
The dog, later named Mason, was taken to Orange County Animal Services, where staff worked patiently to help him adjust to life outside the van.
“Unsurprisingly, Mason was fearful when he first arrived,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “He’s still struggling to trust people, and we don’t blame him one bit.”
Animal behavior specialists noted Mason’s love of stuffed animals, which he would carry around as comfort. While initially protective and wary of strangers, staff recognized his gentle nature beneath the nervous exterior.
Finding Mason the Right Home
Mason’s shyness occasionally caused him to bark at visitors, which deterred some potential adopters. But shelter staff remained hopeful:
“We’re hoping by sharing his story, we can appeal to someone who will look past his kennel presentation… see the dog he can be with a bit of love,” they posted.
Their patience and advocacy paid off. Mason eventually met the perfect family who saw past his initial fear and embraced his true personality.
A New Beginning
Now safe, loved, and free from the chaos of the van, Mason is living the happy life he deserves. From a traumatic beginning to a warm forever home, his story is a testament to the power of compassion, patience, and the dedication of shelter staff.