“Their last goodbye was painful …”
As soon as Stanford, an adult pit bull mix, entered the Rockdale County Animal Shelter, he knew he didn’t belong there. The loyal dog longed for a warm, loving home, but his circumstances were far from ideal.
“He was abandoned at a local park with no food or water,” Humans and Animals United (HAAU) shared on Facebook. “A kind family found him and brought him to the shelter.”
Stanford quickly bonded with the family who found him, and the feeling was mutual. Eager to make him a part of their family, they filled out an adoption application, said their goodbyes, and reassured Stanford that he would soon be going home with them.
When they returned a few days later, Stanford stood on his hind legs, pressing against his kennel door. He gazed through the bars with a hopeful look, silently pleading for them to take him home at last.
Unfortunately, the family returned with heartbreaking news. Their rental property had a no-dogs policy, and despite how much they wanted to, they couldn’t bring Stanford home.
Stanford’s heart sank.
“They had to see Stanford one last time and explain why they couldn’t take him with them,” HAAU wrote. “Their final goodbye was incredibly painful for everyone involved.”
Stanford watched the family leave one final time, his hope of ever finding a loving home waning. Then, the team at HAAU learned about his plight. Moved by his story, they worked diligently to raise funds and secure a foster home for him.
Their efforts paid off, and HAAU volunteers picked Stanford up from the shelter a few days later. The sweet boy’s excitement was palpable as he left his kennel for the last time.
“Our boy left the shelter today in the happiest of spirits!” HAAU wrote. “He knew this was the beginning of his new life! Words can’t describe the joy!”
Stanford’s tail wagged furiously as they drove him to a nearby veterinary clinic for a thorough checkup before entering foster care. After receiving a clean bill of health, he went to his new foster home, where he’s been thriving ever since.
Though he’s still on the lookout for his forever family, Stanford is flourishing in his foster environment. He now spends his days snuggled on a cozy bed and exploring adventures with his new favorite humans.
Stanford’s love has finally been returned, and he couldn’t be happier.
“My first night sleeping with my foster mommy was so peaceful,” HAAU shared in a Facebook update from Stanford’s perspective. “[She] reassured me that I am here until my forever home is found.”