Riggs always hoped for a loving family, dreaming of showering them with all the affection stored in his heart.

Yet, his life had been filled with disappointment and heartbreak.

After being abandoned for the third time, Riggs curled up on the floor of his shelter kennel, a sorrowful expression etched on his face.

The seven-year-old dog stopped believing he would ever have a happy ending and began to accept that his life would be spent at the shelter.

Riggs’ Journey

One Saturday night, a compassionate woman named April felt a strong urge to visit an animal shelter despite having no plans to add another pet to her family.

She already included three cats and a dog.

Listening to her heart, she made her way to the shelter the next day.

Upon arriving, the first dog she saw was Riggs, lying in his kennel with a broken spirit.

His sadness was so palpable that April was moved to tears.

“When I first saw him, I knelt, crying because I had never seen a dog look so heartbroken. It shattered my heart, and I felt an instant connection with him,” April shared with Newsweek.

Riggs immediately captured her heart, and she knew she had to bring him home to Goodyear, Arizona.

In 2019, Riggs was found wandering the streets and was taken to Maricopa County Animal Control West in Phoenix.

Although he had a microchip, his owner didn’t want him back.

With no other choice, Riggs stayed at the shelter, holding onto the hope that someone would take him home.

Sadly, every time he thought his dream was coming true, it was crushed.

Three families adopted Riggs, but each time they returned him to the shelter.

A New Beginning for Riggs

April discovered him when he needed love the most.

Despite not actively seeking a new pet, April and her family made the heartfelt decision to give Riggs the forever home he had longed for.

She introduced Riggs to her family and completed the adoption paperwork.

Riggs no longer had to endure the loneliness of the shelter, as his new mom took him home the very same day.

When Riggs realized he was going home with April, his face brightened with joy. His tail wagged with excitement as he grasped the reality of his second chance at happiness.

Now, Riggs can’t stop smiling.

His family feels overjoyed to have him and wonders why anyone ever abandoned such a loving dog.

“He’s such a sweet boy. I can’t understand why anyone would leave him behind. He’s great with our kids (though we’re always careful), and our other dog loves him. He’s so happy and peaceful now,” April added.

Settling into his new home, Riggs shows his gratitude daily. He cuddles his humans at every opportunity and basks in the love and warmth he has always deserved.

Riggs finally lives his dream life, feeling like the luckiest pup in the world, having found his forever family.