When Ginger, a lonely pooch, made her way to Dogwood Animal Shelter in Missouri, she had high hopes of finding a loving home in no time. However, her troubled past made it difficult for her to trust new people, leaving her feeling anxious and unwanted. Despite her sweet nature, it seemed like finding her forever family would be a long shot.
Ginger spent her days at the shelter, patiently waiting for someone to see past her insecurities and give her the care and understanding she craved. But as time passed, it became clear that her journey to a happy ending was going to be a challenging one.
In 2013, Ginger found herself at a shelter in Missouri. Over the next seven years, she patiently waited for someone to notice her sweet face and take her home. Despite her gentle nature, potential adopters would walk right by her without a second glance. As the years went by, Ginger’s once vibrant fur turned a mixture of white and gray, marking her transformation from a young pup to a senior dog. Despite the changes in her appearance, Ginger’s routine at the shelter stayed consistent.
As time passed, this older dog began to feel discouraged, thinking she may never find a forever home of her own. However, everything changed in 2020 when Scott Poore, a passionate advocate for shelter pets at Mission Driven, learned about Ginger and her plight. Touched by her story, he knew he had to step in and help this lovable pup. “It broke my heart to hear about her situation, so I made her my top priority. I shared her story with anyone willing to listen,” Poore shared with The Dodo. Finally, after spending much of her life at a shelter in Missouri, Ginger’s luck took a turn for the better.
A fresh start
After Poore’s post gained attention, Ginger’s kennel started to see some visitors at last. One of them was Beth – a kind soul who believed that this little puppy deserved to spend the rest of her days in a wonderful and happy home.
Returning home with Beth brought back the hope that Ginger had lost during her time at the shelter. Beth was able to help Ginger break out of her shell and reveal the playful energy of a puppy that still lurked within her. Beth noticed a significant transformation in Ginger’s behavior since she first arrived, describing her as once being skittish and protective. Now, Ginger confidently enters new environments with her head held high, demonstrating a newfound sense of freedom and joy. Watching Ginger embrace her surroundings, jump on beds, and walk on floors with ease was a heartwarming sight for Beth. Ginger no longer carries the fragility of a shelter dog; she now knows her name and confidently owns it. For some dogs, like Ginger, life truly begins at a later stage, and for her, it began at the age of ten.
At 13 years old, Ginger may be getting on in dog years, but she still has a zest for life despite some health issues. This senior pup makes the most of each day with enthusiasm and joy.
However, Ginger’s impact goes beyond just her own happiness. When Beth adopted Ginger, it was a turning point in both of their lives. Beth was once a nervous young adult struggling to find her way. Now, she is happily married, a proud homeowner, and successful in her career.
Reflecting on their journey together, Beth shares, “Ginger and I have really grown up side by side. When she came into my life, we were both like kids embarking on adulthood together. The biggest lesson Ginger has taught me is that it’s okay to hit the reset button…that no matter what challenges come your way, there’s always a brighter tomorrow waiting. You can’t heal if you stay in the same place that hurt you. Together, we’re thriving.”
In the end,
Ginger is just one of many dogs who are unfortunate enough to spend most of their days in a shelter.
I hope that, like Ginger, all of these dogs will have their lives completely changed by a person who is able to recognize their true potential and provide them with the home they deserve.
That person could be you! So, why not
visit your local shelter and bring joy to a dog’s face
by giving them a life filled with love and care.
Beth ended by saying, “I encourage more individuals to consider adopting the ‘unadoptable’ or long-term animals and give them a second chance at happiness and life.”