Many dogs are waiting in shelters for their forever homes. Caring shelter workers long to see every dog get adopted, but we know it isn’t that simple. Some are there for a short time, while others become long-term residents. We must do our part to share stories like this one so people understand the importance of adopting. For seven long months, a dog named Lancer waited at the City of Mobile Animal Services, hoping someone would notice him.
Despite his sweet and gentle nature, Lancer remained overlooked, with not a single meet-and-greet request. The affectionate dog was eager for love, and it was clear to everyone at the shelter that Lancer deserved a home—but no one had come for him. So, Lancer decided to take matters into his own paws.
“Every time someone walked past his kennel, he would stick his paw out, hoping someone would hold it,” explained Mary Kate Hale, digital media manager for City of Mobile Animal Services to The Dodo. Lancer would press his body against the front of the kennel, stretching his paw through the bars, trying to get anyone’s attention. His simple wish was to be loved, but for some reason, no one had adopted him.
“Lancer is known for being incredibly sweet and has a huge love for peanut butter,” Hale added. “After a quick round of zoomies, he usually likes to find a shaded spot to nap, with his legs sprawled out like a little frog.”
One day, while Lancer was attempting his signature paw move, a volunteer couldn’t resist how adorable he looked. They stopped, snapped a photo, and shared his story on social media. That simple post changed everything.
A man couldn't afford to pay for the surgery his dog desperately needed, so he decided to improvise and do it himself. In a shocking case of animal cruelty, the man admitted to applying tooth-numbing gel to his dog's leg and then amputating it.
Within just 24 hours of the post going up, Lancer caught the eye of a man named Nick. The moment Nick saw Lancer’s photo, he could tell how much the dog longed for affection, and he knew he was the one who could give Lancer the love he deserved. He raced over to the shelter, filled out an application, and brought Lancer home.
Today, Lancer is thriving in his new home. Whenever he reaches out his paw, Nick is always there to hold it. Finally, Lancer has found the love he had been waiting for all along.
Toledo, United States.
