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Dog Who Spent 2-Years In Shelter Asks To Be Tucked In Every Night

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| September 9, 2024

Like all homeless dogs, Ryder longed to experience true love and find his forever home with a caring family. This dream kept him going as he wandered the streets of California, searching tirelessly for scraps of food to survive. By the time Ryder was finally rescued and brought to a shelter, he was severely malnourished and utterly exhausted. The shelter staff provided him with the care and affection he desperately needed, and Ryder’s spirit began to lift. He dared to hope that a loving family would soon come along and offer him the home he craved.

ryder.the.rescue/TikTok

After moving through several shelters, Ryder found himself at The Lovejoy Foundation, Inc., a rescue organization based in Inglewood, California. There, Ryder quickly won over the staff with his playful and affectionate nature. They were certain his charm would soon capture the heart of a family looking for a furry companion. However, months passed, and Ryder remained at the shelter.

ryder.the.rescue/TikTok

Ryder began to wonder if he would ever find a loving home or feel the joy of life beyond the shelter walls. Even after spending two long years in the shelter system, Ryder never allowed his hope to fade. One day, fate intervened. A lovely family visited the shelter with the intention of adopting a kitten. But as soon as they laid eyes on Ryder, they were captivated by his soulful gaze. They instantly fell in love and brought him home that same day!

Ryder could hardly believe it—after waiting so long, he had finally been noticed and chosen. Excited to move into his new home, he quickly bonded with his new family, who showered him with endless love and affection. Ryder embraced every moment of his new life and began to forget the hardships of his past.

The Lovejoy Foundation, Inc./Facebook

His parents even bought him a cozy new bed and blanket, which he adored. When his forever mom, Michele, shared his heartwarming bedtime routine on his TikTok account, Ryder captured the hearts of many. “Our rescue dog who spent two years in the shelter won’t go to sleep until he’s tucked in for night-night,” Michele captioned the video. The clip showed Ryder standing in front of his mom, reminding her that it was time for bed.

The Lovejoy Foundation, Inc./Facebook

At bedtime, Michele helps Ryder put on his pajamas, and he carefully adjusts his pillow before she tucks him in. Ryder gazes at her with eyes full of love, then peacefully drifts off to sleep. Ryder is now living the life he always dreamed of. He enjoys snuggling with his parents and his kitty siblings, feeling secure and cherished.

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Tell Target: Animals Deserve Better!

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This pup is thriving today because a family decided to adopt and not shop. Some people believe that shelter animals won’t make good pets. They hold onto the assumption that buying a puppy from a breeder is the best way to go. This is far from true! Let Ryder’s story be a reminder that there’s no such thing as a broken dog. All animals deserve a wonderful life!

Click below to see Ryder’s adorable bedtime routine!

@ryder.the.rescue And there’s a million more reasons #thebestestboy #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok #dogpack #dogtok #rydertherescue #sharpeidog ♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

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