When Cinnamon, a red-nosed Pitbull, was abandoned at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control shelter in North Carolina, she was devastated. This poor dog was left without her puppies, and every time someone approached her, her eyes would fill with tears.
A Volunteer’s Touch
One volunteer at the shelter noticed Cinnamon’s heartbreak and decided to film a short video of her, sharing it on Facebook. In just 48 hours, Cinnamon’s life took a dramatic turn.
The Cry of a Broken Heart
Source: Sarah Jennings Sleime
Sarah Jennings Sleime, who usually volunteers for the Greater Charlotte SPCA, decided to make a spontaneous visit to the animal control center on a Saturday. She wanted to check out a few dogs for potential rescue, unaware that one dog, in particular, would deeply touch her heart.
Walking through the kennels, Sarah noticed Cinnamon. The pit bull was sitting in a slumped, almost human-like position, which immediately caught Sarah’s attention. It was evident that Cinnamon had recently given birth and was heartbroken over being separated from her puppies.
Shelter workers suspected that Cinnamon had been used for breeding, given that she had many litters. When Sarah bent down to talk to her, Cinnamon’s eyes would fill with tears. It was an extraordinary and heartbreaking sight.
A Viral Video Brings Hope
Without a foster home available, the SPCA couldn’t rescue any large dogs at the time, but Sarah knew she had to do something. She filmed Cinnamon crying and posted the video on Facebook. Within 48 hours, the video had been viewed over 1 million times and shared by 20,000 people. Sarah’s inbox was flooded with messages from people interested in adopting Cinnamon and giving her a loving home.
A New Beginning
Source: Sarah Jennings Sleime
Among the many people who saw the video was Meghan Connor Shelton from Charlotte, North Carolina. Meghan has a special affection for Pitbulls and was moved to tears by the video. She and her family decided to visit the shelter the next morning to meet Cinnamon.
The Shelton family was first in line, and it was love at first sight for everyone, including the children. They decided to adopt Cinnamon, who they renamed Rosie, and took her home after she was spayed.
Adjusting to a New Home
Source: @rosie_the_red_nose_pit
Rosie’s new family already had another dog, a 3-year-old male Pitbull named Blu. Initially, they were unsure how the two dogs would get along, considering Rosie’s past trauma. However, Rosie and Blu quickly bonded, sitting next to each other with wagging tails.
A Happy Ending
Rosie’s transition to her new home was smooth, and her personality began to shine. Her new family noted that one of her endearing traits is that she snorts like a pig when she gets excited. The video of Rosie not only secured her a loving home but also helped other dogs at the shelter find their forever homes.
Source: @meghanshelton
The Power of a Simple Act
Sarah reflected on the impact of the video, noting how a simple act of sharing a photo or video can change lives. The attention generated by Rosie’s video led to several other adoptions, freeing up space in the shelter for more animals in need.
How to Help
If you’re inspired by Rosie’s story and want to make a difference, visit the CMPD Animal Care and Control page or the Greater Charlotte SPCA’s website for more information on adoptable dogs. Your small act of kindness could save another dog’s life, just like Rosie’s.
By sharing their stories and reaching out to potential adopters, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and change the lives of many more animals in need. Rosie’s story is a testament to the impact that love and care can have, turning a heartbreaking situation into a tale of hope and new beginnings.
