After 683 days of shelter life, a dog finally received his happy ending, and to celebrate, the animal shelter gave him a much-deserved proper send off.
A dog named Yankee first came into the Saginaw County Animal Care & Control Resource Center as a stray. Director Rachel Horton told Newsweek that Yankee stayed with them for about a year before his original owners came forward.
This family lost Yankee in a different county and didn’t think to look in Saginaw County. Horton said they took him back for a few days, but as the family added new kids and their life changed, they realized he no longer fit into their lifestyle, and thus, returned him.
For nearly another year, Yankee stayed at the animal shelter. He became the longest resident Horton’s seen since she started working with shelters seven years ago. Given his upbeat and happy personality, he kept holding onto hope. Plus, Horton said they worked “really hard” to keep him social and active.
He quickly became a shelter favorite among employees and volunteers, who advocated for him. They walked him three times a day, took him on field trips and offered him dog toys, anything to keep his enrichment up. But he still didn’t receive the attention from adopters.
“I think he is just a big, derpy dog and strong that it intimidated people,” Horton said.
His luck changed when a volunteer’s friend stepped up to adopt him in March, which Horton said is a “blessing” not only because he’s finally with his forever family but also because they get regular updates from the family.
To celebrate his big day, the workers and volunteers lined up along the hallway as Yankee made his way out the door. The video, which was shared to the shelter’s Facebook page on March 15, showed everyone cheering and clapping. They gave him his proper send-off filled with love and pets.
Horton said Yankee must’ve known his time had come because he immediately ran out the door.
Saginaw County Animal Care & Control/Facebook
Horton explained that any time an animal gets adopted, they do a ritual called “getting dressed.” This means they receive a special collar or bandana to wear and a goody bag. Usually, only five or six people are there to send them off, but when Yankee went home, the shelter held an adoption event, and about 20 to 30 people were there.
“We were all together so we could do that walk out,” she said. “…so many wanted to say goodbye and wish him well.”
Noting it is always nerve-wracking sending a dog off, Horton said her worries melted after hearing how he’s been doing well in his new forever home.
“He’s been relaxing, snuggling and climbing on the furniture,” she said. “He’s making himself right at home.”
Facebook users flocked to the video, sharing their appreciation and celebrating Yankee’s adoption. The video reached over 2,900 likes and 164 comments as of Thursday.
“Just shows you how loved these animals are at Saginaw County Animal Care & Control. Atta boy, Yankee! We don’t understand why you were with us so long, but you found your forever!! Be the best boy,” said a viewer.
Another added: “Go live your best life Yanks. You certainly deserve it!”
A third echoed: “He deserves the best!! So happy for him and his new family.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.