Longest shelter resident smiles as he sleeps as he is chosen by his family
Rescue dog Petey always exudes joy despite the challenges he faces. At just one year old, he became the longest-lived resident at a small, overcrowded county shelter in North Carolina. The shelter, struggling with capacity issues, extended Petey’s stay beyond normal levels. Due to an impending lack of adoptions, the shelter contacted the Wake County SPCA, hoping they could give Petey more time to find a forever home. The SPCA readily agreed to take him in. Although the situation was very bad, Petey did not show any sadness. Instead, he was excited to meet his new caregivers. His bubbly personality initially surprised SPCA staff, as he was often passed over at the shelter before.
When he arrived, Petey’s friends at the SPCA immediately posted his photo on their website, even though they feared he might be overlooked again. However, SPCA spokesperson Samantha Ranlet explained that Petey’s future family saw his photo and immediately felt he was meant to be with them. About a month after he arrived at the SPCA, Petey’s new family came to take him home, permanently ending his long stay at the shelter.
Petey quickly adapted to his new environment, embracing life with his puppy and loving human family. He loves playing in the backyard and giving his family hugs and kisses.
Every night, Petey, the once abandoned shelter dog, curls up in his cozy bed and falls asleep with a bright smile. “It’s the smile of a dog who knows he’s home,” the shelter expressed on Facebook. Petey represents many shelter dogs that are often overlooked for too long. As Petey’s story culminates in joy, Ranlet and SPCA staff remain optimistic that their other longtime residents will soon find happy endings, too.