Not every dog starts life in a cozy home filled with love. For some, like a Pit Bull named Cider, their early experiences are marked by hardship. Cider was a victim of illegal dog fighting as a young pup, and when he was rescued and taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia, he was in dire straits. Despite his rough beginning, Cider has healed physically and emotionally, thanks to the dedication of the shelter staff. Yet, more than two years after his rescue, Cider still awaits the perfect family to call his own.
Even in the shelter, there are moments when Cider’s joy is unmistakable. Lindsey King, the manager of volunteer programs at the Pennsylvania SPCA, has formed a special bond with him. Noticing the toll that shelter life was taking on Cider, King decided to brighten his day with a trip to a local park. “To lift his spirits and give him a break from kennel life, Cider – one of our longest dog residents – recently had the best day offsite full of sniffing and snuggles,” the shelter shared in a Facebook post.
During his day out, Cider’s happiness was palpable; he ran freely and leaped into King’s arms. Yet, the return to the kennel cast a shadow over the day’s joy. “We only wish all of his days were like this,” Pennsylvania SPCA noted in their post. “With the perfect family, they can be.” King acknowledged Cider’s difficult past and anticipated that he might need time to adapt to a new home. Still, she assured that his future family would receive immense love and loyalty in return.
Though no one has yet stepped forward to adopt Cider, the shelter remains hopeful. “We know Cider’s people are out there,” they expressed confidently in their post. Meanwhile, Cider continues to hope for the day when he can permanently leave the shelter for a loving home where all his days are as joyful as his day in the park.
Toledo, United States.
