Without the unconditional love and nurturing of a human, stray dogs often live in a constant state of sadness. Every day, as they wander the streets searching for food, they hope for a smile from a stranger, craving attention and affection. What they yearn for most is to find parents who will hug them and make them feel worthy and loved.
When these dogs are finally rescued and brought to shelters, they feel grateful for the food and shelter provided. Their hearts overflow with hope, dreaming of the day they’ll meet their forever parents who will help them forget their tough lives on the streets.
This is the story of Speck, a shelter dog who longed to know what love and happiness feel like.
Craving Human Affection
Photo Credit: BullockBabies
Speck lived on the streets before being brought to the Bullock County Humane Society in Alabama. From the moment the shelter staff met him, they were captivated by his sweet and affectionate nature. Despite the visible scars from his rough life on the streets, Speck was a kind and trusting soul who craved love.
Whenever staffers or visitors passed by his kennel, Speck would stick his head and paws through the bars, hoping for a gentle touch. As soon as someone took his paw, he would look at them with love-filled eyes.
“All he wants is people love. He will reach his little hand out and he just wants you to touch him and hold his hand. And he’s so sad when you walk off to finish cleaning or whatever you have to do,” said Desiray Miracle-Wilder, the shelter’s director, to The Dodo.
The shelter staff couldn’t resist Speck’s affectionate nature and quickly fell in love with him. Since arriving at the shelter in 2018, Speck longed to find his parents and experience the sweetness of a loving home. Months passed, and despite his long wait, he never got discouraged. He kept reaching out his little paw, always asking for some love.
The staff couldn’t understand why adopters passed him by.
The Day That Speck’s Life Changed
Photo Credit: BullockBabies
In 2020, Wilder decided to film Speck while he was holding hands with the shelter staff to show people how much love he had to give. The shelter shared Speck’s adorable video on Facebook, and it quickly went viral, melting the hearts of many.
Carly McDanal, the founder of Allie’s Hope For Paws Dog Rescue, saw Speck’s story and his sweet hand-holding routine. Determined to help, she set out to find him his forever home. Soon after, Speck’s well-wishers celebrated as he found the perfect home on a 26-acre farm in New York.
Speck’s Journey to His Forever Home
Photo Credit: BullockBabies
Leaving the shelter kennel, Speck felt his life was about to change forever. For the first time, he traveled by plane, with a doggy friend by his side to keep him company. After landing, Speck continued his journey by car, eagerly anticipating his new life.
His new parents, Danielle and Mike, were waiting with open arms. As soon as Speck arrived, they fell in love with him, and he felt like the happiest dog in the world. Finally, he had found the love he had searched for his entire life.
Speck now enjoys running and going on walks with his doggy brothers. But what he loves most is snuggling with his parents, who can’t get enough of his sweet kisses and hugs.
