Stray dogs long for a safe haven where they can be treated with love and compassion. When rescuers bring them to shelters, these dogs remain hopeful that they’ll soon catch the eye of a caring family.
While some dogs find homes quickly, others endure a remarkably long wait.
This is the tale of Higgins, a dog who spent years dreaming of a home where he would truly belong. Despite numerous letdowns, he never lost faith in the future he yearned for.
Higgins first arrived as a young puppy at the Humane Society of Preble County in Eaton, Ohio. Initially adopted, he did not receive the care he deserved from his new family.
“He was reportedly kept chained to a dog house,” explained Leslie Renner, the executive director of the shelter. About a year later, Higgins was brought back to the shelter as a stray.
Once back, Higgins held onto the hope that his forever family would come for him someday. Visitors came and went, often choosing other dogs instead.
“People tend to look for puppies or dogs around six months old,” Renner noted. Higgins, however, grew from one year old to two, then three, as the months rolled by.
The shelter staff adored Higgins and supported him through every disappointment. Although he had a charming personality, Higgins struggled to get along with other cats and dogs, discouraging some potential adopters.
Over time, visitors began assuming there was something amiss with him due to his long stay, though that couldn’t be further from the truth.
For years, the shelter personnel shared updates about Higgins, determined to touch the heart of someone willing to adopt him. They were unwavering in their belief that he would eventually find his perfect home.
Finally, on day 2,381 of his wait, a man named Brendon Reed walked into the shelter with the intention of adopting Higgins.
Reed had seen Higgins’ story online and felt an undeniable urge to help him. He was baffled as to why such a loyal dog had been overlooked and knew instantly that Higgins belonged in his life.
After more than six years of waiting, Higgins finally found the loving home he had always deserved. The shelter team celebrated his adoption, elated to see his perseverance rewarded at last.
The anxious look on his face quickly disappeared, replaced with pure happiness.
“He is just so happy, it’s kind of crazy. He just likes to chillax,” Reed shared.
Nowadays, Higgins enjoys exploring his yard and relaxing in his cozy home, basking in the affection he had yearned for all those years. For the first time, Higgins truly feels cherished and loved.
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