Horrible things can happen to almost anyone these days. However, it’s when these things affect the people we are closest to that it hurts the most.

Some families often end up in many financial problems and have to abandon their pets as a result.

It’s not fair, but it’s how the world works, and it’s the best chance they will have at living a new life.

In this story, we will talk about a dog who was abandoned by his family and just checked out from everything.

A Tragic Fate

When Ritter’s family was going through many problems, they realized that Ritter and his sibling had to be surrendered to a shelter.

The Humane Society in Hamilton County, Indiana, took them in with no question, and they were sad to see the state he was in.

He seemed so depressed, like he had completely given up on life. Ritter couldn’t understand why his family left him there – he just knew that he wanted them back.

Unfortunately, that was not going to happen. In order to help raise awareness about this wonderful dog, the shelter workers took a photo of him and posted it on social media.

The photo went viral pretty quickly and it was shared a lot throughout every platform. The people saw this sad dog and expressed their desire to help in any way they could.

Ritter’s New Opportunity

One of the workers at the shelter, Megan, told WISH-TV, from Indiana, that they were lucky to have taken that picture, and that it’s an example of not just Ritter, but every animal who is suffering like him.

It just so happens that this portrayed the best of what so many dogs are going through in their life on the street and in the shelters.

All of these adorable dogs who were surrendered to a shelter have their own heartbreaking reason for being there, and it’s up to us to help them.

However, in the end, all the attention Ritter got through social media meant that he was able to find his forever home pretty quickly, and he now lives an amazing life.

While his sibling was not fortunate enough to find a new family yet, the shelter workers are doing everything they can for him and all the other dogs there.

It’s amazing to see just how much they are trying to help all of the dogs live a normal life with a family who will care for them.

If you have never heard of a program called New Leash on Life USA, this story will definitely make you want to know more.

This organization brought together an unlikely duo: a high-risk dog named Pavlov and Steven Morales, an inmate in the Philadelphia Prison System. 

Through their unique partnership, they both discovered the redemptive power of love and a second chance at life.

New Leash on Life USA not only rescues animals, but also provides inmates with the opportunity to find compassion, purpose, and a fresh start, which ultimately changes the lives of dogs and inmates in profound ways.

A Life-Changing Program

Pavlov was found wandering the streets, and was brought to Animal Care and Control Organization, in Philadelphia, PA.

He was in terrible shape – very skinny, malnourished, and with a horrible coat. 

Thankfully, New Leash on Life heard about Pavlov and decided to pull him out of the high-risk shelter and into their program.

This non-profit pairs high-risk dogs with prisoners who later train the dogs and make sure they are ready to be adopted into great families.

Steven Morales met Pavlov when he was serving time in prison. At first, he was unsure of all that, but soon, the two became the best of friends.

“Pavlov and I, we lived together. We ate together. We basically did everything together,” Steven told The Dodo.

The more time they spent together, the more their bond grew stronger. 

“He was very loving. We built like an attachment,” Steven added.

Two months into the program, Pavlov started to listen to commands and make some progress, but he wasn’t the only one who changed – Steven did as well.

As a result, Steven even got released from prison early. “I wanted to take Pavlov with me, but I didn’t know where I was gonna be living. It was hard to be separated from him, after everything we had been through,” he said.

Steven ended up completely turning his life around and becoming an Animal Control Officer at ACCT Philly.

A Touching Reunion

Since coming out of the prison, Steven and Pavlov have not seen each other for almost six years.

Pavlov met an amazing woman named Marina who adopted him immediately.

“The first time I met Pavlov it was kind of one of those love at first sights. He is super loving. Loves to gives kisses. He’s sweet. I’m really, really lucky to have him in my life, and I have Steven to thank,” Marina said.

Although Marina and Steven became very good Facebook friends, and she regularly sends him photos of Pavlov, they have never met in person. “Maybe one day, we’ll get together and hand out with Pavlov,” Steven wished.

But, what he didn’t know was that a surprise reunion was in the making.

Steven thought he was being filmed for a documentary about his job, but as soon as Pavlov entered the room, he was completely speechless.

It was priceless. 

Pavlov was very excited, so he started jumping around. They soon started playing just like they did in the prison yard.

“I was definitely surprised. I haven’t seen him in probably like six years. It was really nice to see him,” Steven said. “It makes me very, very happy that he found someone that loves him just as much as I loved him.”

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed both of their lives for the good.

It sure is a common thing that in the eyes of every pet owner, their pet is the most special, prettiest, and best animal in the whole wide world.

However, I think we can all agree that the dog we are going to meet today sure does look unique and quite interesting.

A Very Unique Dog

When Tiffany Goossen saw a picture of a puppy who looked as if she had come out of a cartoon, she knew she had to go and meet her.

And, as soon as she did, she knew it was meant to be.

“I just knew she was mine, like, right away. It’s kind of like when you fall in love, you know, you just know,” said Tiffany.

Tiffany was informed that the pup was blind and abandoned, living all alone on the streets in quite harsh conditions.

Kids, drunk people were throwing rocks at her and stuff.

Not being able to understand how somebody could treat this pup that way, Tiffany decided that she had to adopt her.

New Life

As soon as this pup, now named Kila, found out about the charms of living a life surrounded by love, she let go of her old life and embraced the new, better one.

She’s the sweetest thing, you know, she doesn’t let the fact that she’s blind or that she’d been abused as a puppy, like, make her mad at the world or not love anybody.

Kila does not let her blindness define her and she very much enjoys spending her days at the dog park, playing with her furry friends.

Even though she doesn’t know which dog she is running after, it doesn’t matter to her as she is not picky. She will play with whoever is around.

She just, like, she knows when there’s life around. And she gets excited and she barks and she wants everyone to know she’s there. So, you know, she gets around fine.

Perfect Timing

Kila really did pick the perfect time to come into her mom’s life. Tiffany felt a bit lost, going between jobs and not feeling like herself.

Since I got her, you know, I just see how she’s happy all the time and how’s she just happy to be alive and how she lives in the moment and it’s a good lesson to learn. I think dogs are wonderful for that reason.

Tiffany has also adopted a little kitten who soon became Kila’s best friend.

They love spending their afternoons together, running around the house and then cuddling on the couch, and eventually falling asleep in each other’s paws.

Final Word

It’s incredible to think how big of a life lesson an animal can teach us.

Tiffany is constantly reminded that no matter how hard life gets, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop smiling and looking for those little moments that make everything worth it.

She’s nice all the time for no reason and so I try to live my life like that now. It made me a lot happier.

Stray dogs live a lonely life, deprived of the chance to feel human love. While they try to survive on the streets, they are faced with dangers that we can only imagine.

Once they’re rescued and brought to shelters, these pups often carry traumas and fears that they need to overcome in order to become real dogs who can fully enjoy life.

Our next story is about Lala, one of those traumatized, stray dogs who found herself in a shelter, shivering with fear. As she spent her days hiding in her kennel, little did she know that her life would soon change.

Overwhelmed With Fear

Lala was a resident at Family Dogs New Life Shelter, located in Portland, Oregon. She was scared of people, and avoided socializing with the staff. Although they did their best to take care of her and make her feel safe, the doggo felt sad.

The shelter staff contacted Lee Asher, a dog rescuer and the founder of The Asher House, a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Oregon.

When he came to visit Lala, she was shivering with fear in her hiding place under a table. Asher was deeply moved.

“I’ve seen a lot of scared dogs, but there was something about this one that really touched my heart.”

He started sitting on the floor with her, talking to her and trying to gain her trust. Gradually, he moved closer to her, and soon, the pup let him stroke her neck. Little by little, Lala became more relaxed.

“She would run up and smell me and then run away. She let me pet her a couple times,” said Asher.

Asher began teaching her to walk on a leash. At first, she would get frightened and take the leash off, but eventually, she got used to it.

Lala Is Eager To Start A New Chapter In Life

She was ready to go to foster care at his sanctuary. Asher knew that she still had a lot of anxiety, but he was sure that his pack would help her heal.

Lala seemed eager to go with Asher. She jumped in the truck before it was even open. Asher kissed her and promised her that she would have a great time at the sanctuary.

The adorable pooch climbed into Asher’s lap while he was driving and she put her head through the window. She was enjoying her freedom ride home. 

“I knew this wasn’t the safest thing in the world, but she was just dying to be next to me, and I couldn’t move her.“

Once they arrived at The Asher House, Asher couldn’t wait to introduce Lala to his pack. He wanted her to feel as calm and safe as possible.

First, he introduced her to his smaller dogs who sniffed her and welcomed her home. Later, she met the bigger dogs. All of them were excited to have her. They wagged their tails.

Asher wrapped his arms around Lala, wishing to make her feel safe and at home. Lala felt loved like never before and she covered her dad’s face with sweet kisses.

Finding Her Place Under The Sun

He was thrilled to see that she fit in perfectly into the pack. Lala became a confident doggo whose eyes sparkled with joy. She had a wide smile on her face.

Asher realized that this was the place where she belonged.

“She was so free… She was in her element. This was the place that she was born to be. Going across the trails and exploring, through the river. I don’t think she’s ever seen water before. I’ll never forget it.“

Thanks to Asher’s love and compassion, Lala succeeded in putting her fears behind her and turning her face towards the sun.

The delightful pooch changed her name to Ella. She is living her best life. She enjoys hiking and swimming in the creek with the pack. Ella’s forever home couldn’t be more perfect than it already is!