Shelters are truly special places for stray animals in need.

Living on the streets can be incredibly tough, filled with fear and uncertainty. In a shelter, these animals not only have a roof over their heads and food to fill their bellies, but they also have the support of amazing humans dedicated to making them feel loved and cared for.

However, despite all the care provided by shelter staff, staying too long can make these animals feel stressed and unwanted.

You Are Mine Now

While working at a low-cost spay-neuter clinic, a woman named Abigail met an adorable pup named Loki.

It was truly love at first sight. After discovering that Loki was quite sick, Abigail decided to take him in as a foster.

“He held my hand for pretty much the whole ride home. The look on his face was so powerful. Loki realized that he wasn’t getting left at the shelter anymore. You could just tell that he was relieved,” Abigail shared with The Dodo.

Abigail then introduced Loki to her son, Leo. From the moment they met, it felt like they had known each other forever, as though they had been searching for one another all their lives.

Best Friends Forever

Leo and Loki grew so inseparable that they couldn’t imagine being apart for even a moment.

“If Leo is going outside, Loki’s out there getting into stuff with him. We initially just wanted to foster him because we have a 3-year-old son, we have two Great Danes, so our house was pretty full,” Abigail explained.

When Loki became a “foster fail,” Abigail’s husband wasn’t thrilled about the decision. But after spending more time with Loki, he couldn’t be happier that they decided to keep him.

Watching their son grow up with such a loyal, loving companion filled their hearts with joy. But no one was as happy as Loki.

Having finally found a loving family with whom he could spend his entire life, Loki was the happiest pup in the world.

“The feeling of safety after being in a tough spot in their lives, I wish more dogs could experience it,” Abigail said.

Go Out And Adopt!

The hard truth is that there are so many pups still living the life Loki once did.

They spend each day in a kennel, hoping that someone will notice them and offer them the loving life they know they deserve.

So, if you’re able to open your heart and home to a furry friend in need, please visit your local shelter and adopt!