Life in an animal shelter is a mix of good and bad for pups. Shelter staff go above and beyond to make each day enjoyable and interesting for these little ones, yet some dogs can’t shake off the sadness and end up feeling lonely and dejected.
Thankfully, many of these dogs find new homes quickly, leaving the shelter for a life filled with love and happiness.
However, not all stories have such a happy beginning. Some dogs stay in the shelter longer than expected, and others are even returned after being adopted. Today, we share the touching story of one such pup.
Andy’s Journey to the Shelter
Meet Andy, a small pup who faced more than his fair share of hardships before arriving at the Little Guild, the only limited-admission shelter in West Cornwall, Connecticut.
Andy’s life started tough. He was initially surrendered to a shelter in Georgia with severe injuries after getting entangled in a tie-out and runner system on his owner’s property. This traumatic experience left him wary of new people and situations.
According to Kelsey Turick, an animal care specialist at Little Guild, Andy’s past is somewhat of a mystery, but it’s clear it wasn’t pleasant. “We don’t have many details on what happened early in his life, but whatever it was, it wasn’t great. This probably led to him not trusting people right away,” Kelsey explained to Newsweek.
When Andy first arrived at the shelter, his distrust was evident. He felt anxious and threatened by unfamiliar faces, reacting defensively in his new surroundings. However, once he becomes comfortable with someone, Andy transforms into the most loving and loyal dog you could imagine.
The Heartbreaking Return
Andy’s journey took a discouraging turn when he was adopted and returned shortly after. His new family found him too reactive to strangers, a trait not uncommon in dogs with his background.
Since his return, Andy has retreated into his shell. He spends his days in his kennel, watching the world go by, trembling when anyone stops to look at him. While he does warm up after spending time with people, few have the patience to wait for his affectionate side to emerge.
Kelsey, who has grown close to Andy, remains hopeful. She believes there is a perfect family out there for him. “We love him so much and really hope his forever family is out there. It is going to take someone patient and understanding to work with him on his reactivity and initial fear of new people. Andy has medium to high energy and needs calm, confident handling to help him overcome his insecurities,” she stated.
A Bright Future Awaits
Kelsey is confident that once Andy finds his ideal family, he will be able to leave his troubled past behind and embrace a life full of love and joy. With the right guidance, Andy is a delightfully wiggly, happy-go-lucky boy who loves cuddles and playing with toys. He’s also great with other dogs and would benefit from having a canine companion in his new home.
The ideal household for Andy would be one that provides him with the direction he needs while being ready to receive his endless devotion and love in return. “With a trusted handler, he can be a very wiggly, happy-go-lucky boy. He loves to cuddle and play with toys. His ideal home will provide Andy with the guidance he needs and be ready to be rewarded with devotion and love. He is absolutely amazing with other dogs and would thrive with another dog in the home,” Kelsey concluded.
Final Thoughts on Andy’s Journey
Andy’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of shelter dogs and the profound impact a loving home can have on their lives. He is an incredible pup who merely needs a bit of patience and a second chance to reveal his true potential.
Here’s hoping that Andy’s luck will soon change and he will meet that special someone who can provide him with the life he so richly deserves.
Good luck, Andy! We are all rooting for your happiness and success in finding a forever home where you can thrive and become the joyful pup you’re meant to be.
