This dog thought he’d spend the rest of his life in a shelter… Boy, was he wrong!?!
We all know that life can drastically take a left turn every once in a while… Both for people and pets, especially in the tragic moments when a beloved owner passes away.
Many canines find themselves in shelters for unfortunate reasons, but the most devastating is when they lose not only the person who cared for them but also the only home they’ve ever had.
Suddenly, these loyal creatures are thrust into an unfamiliar habitat, surrounded by outsiders, feeling the absence of the companionship and love they once relished. Well, such is the poignant story of Sunny, a two-year-old retriever mix, whose enduring the loss of his owner.
For over 100 days, Sunny was in the care of the Great Plains SPCA in Kansas after his world was turned upside down when his precious owner suddenly passed away.
This life-altering tragedy left the dog in search of a new family that can give him the stability and love he so deserves.
But who would take on the job?
The Great Plains SPCA first took Sunny in in July, following the sad news of his owner’s passing. Sunny’s case deeply moved the shelter staff.
In a sincere Facebook post, the SPCA described how his “entire world came crashing down” in the aftermath of the disaster, leaving him without a home and without the person he valued most.
“His owner adored him,” states Sunny’s adoption page, painting a picture of the profound bond he shared with his late owner. Sunny was described as a “thrilled boy” who had led a sheltered and comfortable life.
The abrupt, overwhelming experience of joining a busy shelter was a significant adjustment for the gentle dog, who was dealing with grief and a fresh, uncertain reality. Sunny struggled to acclimate to his unfamiliar surroundings at first as he settled in.
The bustle of the shelter was a stark difference to the quiet, predictable life he was used to. But due to the patience and dedication of the SPCA team, he gradually began to reveal more of his true nature.
As time went on, his caregivers saw glimpses of his “cheerful and loving” nature and a touching innocence that made him a favorite at the shelter.
Many changes
During his time at the SPCA, Sunny spent some time with a foster family. The family quickly saw what a sweet and well-mannered dog he was, describing him as “calm, fabulous, and well-behaved.”
Sunny flourished in the quieter environment and would make an amazing companion. But sadly, his time with the family was short-lived due to one of the children being allergic to dogs, forcing them to make the difficult decision to return him to the shelter.
Despite the challenges, though, Sunny’s hopeful spirit has remained resilient, and he continues to wait patiently each day, hoping to find his forever family. It has been over 100 days since he first arrived at the SPCA, and his search for a new home continues.
The staff is committed to waiting “however long it takes” for the right family to come along, though it disappoints them to see him passed over constantly. “We are devoted to waiting as long as it takes for Sunny to find his people,” they wrote.
Who wants to adopt Sunny?
Sunny’s adoption profile is chock full of unique qualities that make him such a special dog. He’s friendly with other dogs and housetrained. The only condition is that he would like to meet all the members of any potential home to ensure everyone gets along.
Sunny would likely prosper in a home with older children who could understand and respect his journey and unique needs as he adjusts to a new life. As a “big fan of outdoor adventures,” he’s eager to explore the world beyond those bland shelter walls.
His adoption bio highlights his love for outdoor activities and walks, noting that he’d happily join his future family on neighborhood walks or even more adventurous hikes.
“I’m young and athletic, and I’d like nothing more than to be active and energetic by your side,” the bio reads, proving he has a zest for life. “Or I also love soaking up the sun,” he says, simply showing his mellow side and his desire to relax with loved ones.
Sunny’s promise
Sunny’s bio ends with a heartwarming oath: “I will be a devoted boy. I need someone wonderful to give me a second chance at a new life.” It truly is heartbreaking to hear that a dog has ended up in a shelter due to the tragic loss of an owner.
Sunny’s journey has been filled with adjustment and loss. But his loving and loyal nature stays strong. He’s spent more than 100 days at this point waiting for someone to open their home and heart to him.
And the staff and volunteers hope that he will find the right family to give him the companionship, love, and stability he used to have. As Sunny waits for his second chance, his story has touched the hearts of many people who hope his luck will soon turn.
This deserving and devoted dog is still hoping for a forever home where he can start a new chapter and finally find happiness and peace again.
… But don’t leave yet! We promise the next one has a happy ending!
Meet Alex
For Alex, a gentle and sweet dog, his reality was turned upside down when his owner passed away. Uncertain and alone, he found himself at the Humane Society of South Mississippi.
Even though the shelter provided him with lots of comfort and care, the loss of his best friend and home left him in need of a new beginning. The good news is that Alex’s story took a touching turn thanks to someone who refused to leave him behind.
His late owner’s son, Michael, knew how much his dad loved his canine companion just as Michael loved his dad. And even though he lived thousands of miles away in Washington, Michael was determined to ensure Alex stayed within the family.
So, while grieving, Michael set out to reunite with the dog his father loved so much. “After traveling 2,650 miles from Seattle and navigating the challenges of losing a loved one, he finally made it to our shelter,” the Humane Society wrote on Facebook.
The reunion will melt your heart!
As you can guess, the reunion at the shelter was nothing short of emotional. A photo (above) captured the moment’s joy… Michael kneeling beside Alex, both overwhelmed with happiness.
The staff at the shelter described the emotional encounter, sharing that Alex immediately and affectionately smothered Michael. “Alex smothered him in kisses and love,” they said. “Alex couldn’t get enough of him. It was almost like he couldn’t believe his eyes.
He was so happy. Nothing but kisses and tail wags.” The Humane Society witnesses countless pets annually who are abandoned or surrendered after their owners pass away.
It’s a tragic reality for animals who lose their families, oftentimes leaving them to face an undetermined future.
That’s why seeing Michael travel across the nation to honor his father’s beloved companion brought tears to everyone’s eyes. Many commenters even shared their sentiments on the shelter’s Facebook page.
What are YOUR thoughts on these stories? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below. And if you liked this article, we also think you’ll enjoy: 12 Sweet Dog Breeds That Look Scary… but Are TOTAL Sweethearts
