The heartbreaking photos of Samantha, a 4-year-old pit bull who had been wandering the streets of southern Florida, broke hearts across Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS). Despite her long journey and lack of love in life thus far, she still wore an expression that moved everyone around her. Finally feeling true love for the first time was something this sweet pup would never forget.
The kind volunteers at the shelter lovingly attended to Samantha’s needs and made her sparkle. She was ready to find her new family, so they posted a listing of adoptable with Samantha’s photo. Everyone who met Samantha instantly fell in love with her; however, much to their surprise, an entire year passed without any adoption inquiries!
As Samantha’s frustration built with each passing month, her countenance began to reflect her despair.
More than 12 months later, MDAS was overwhelmed with animals and no longer had any space for Samantha. They contacted Humans and Animals United (HAU), requesting that they help locate a loving home for the pup. To demonstrate her condition, MDAS sent photos of Samantha in her kennel along with their plea.
When Rosa Fond, HAU’s founder and president, saw the pictures of this animal in need, she knew they had to act – right away. “Those photos broke us,” she told The Dodo. “So we decided that our first move should be to go get her; then we’d figure out what comes next.”
HAU soon sent a volunteer to MDAS, and she took Samantha away in her car. As they traveled home together, the volunteer noticed that Samantha was struggling with the transition; it had been difficult for her to adjust.
Fond recalled that Samantha was too frightened to respond when the person picked her up, noting “She wasn’t responding.”
The volunteer tried their best to make Samantha start feeling at ease in the car but soon realized that her efforts weren’t successful. Deciding it was time for a different plan of action, she pulled over and started talking to Samantha with a kind and comforting tone.
“The car pulled over and the volunteer started a conversation with Samantha that lasted around 10 minutes,” Fond recounts. “As they talked, it was visible to everyone in the car that Samantha’s manner began to lighten; she even cracked a few smiles.”
In a flash, Samantha’s hesitant expression shifted to an ecstatic smile. She finally realized that someone had noticed her and she’d soon be embraced with love.
The volunteer then took the pup to a local trainer for boarding and training purposes, hoping that it would be her forever home. As soon as Samantha settled in, she began to take on new energy and life; Fond noticed how much better she was doing. “She’s been amazing!”
After a month of being honed at the training facility, Samantha was given her first taste of home when she was able to be fostered. While continuing in her pursuit of an everlasting family, Samantha is cherishing every moment spent learning what it’s like to feel safe and secure within the walls of a household.
“Cherish has a passion for toys,” Fond remarked. “Her favorite pastime is taking naps in her bed or cuddling with a loving human companion and being lavished with affection.”
Despite being voiceless, Fond can feel the affection in every word said to her by her new rescuers. Her innate capacity for emotion allows this sweet dog to establish a powerful connection with humans everywhere.
Fond expressed, “It’s as if she comprehends each syllable coming out of your mouth and can feel the emotions behind it. It’s almost like a sixth sense!”
Fond is confident that Samantha will find a forever home quickly, as she can easily adapt to any family dynamic. “She’s got the best of both worlds; cats and dogs!,” exclaimed Fond enthusiastically. “It’s nearly impossible for her not to be adopted –she’s such an ideal pet.”
For the time being, Samantha will relish the love she’s receiving from her new foster family. She’s still waiting for her “happily ever after,” but thankfully, the hardest part of her story is now behind her. From this moment forward, Samantha will only know love.
If you’re considering taking Samantha into your home, reach out to Humans and Animals United.
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