While stray dogs wander the streets, they crave to have a roof over their head and humans who would love them and make them feel safe.

After good people rescue them and bring them to shelters, the canines’ hearts sparkle with hope that their biggest wish will come true. Sometimes, some dogs wait longer than others to get the happy ending they deserve.

Our following story is about Higgins – a shelter pup who spent a lot of time waiting to finally feel the warmth and comfort of a home. Despite his long wait, the doggo continued hoping that his day would come.

Higgins’ Shelter Life

Higgins arrived at the Humane Society of Preble County – a shelter located in Eaton, Ohio, when he was just a puppy.

He got adopted very soon, but sadly, his family didn’t keep their promise to give him the best life possible.

“We heard he was nothing more than a dog chained up to a dog house. About a year later, someone walked in with a stray dog — and it was him,” said Leslie Renner, the executive director of the shelter.

The pooch returned to the shelter, but his hope of finding his forever parents didn’t waver despite his disappointment. 

Time after time, visitors came to the shelter and chose other pups. The senior dog was overlooked.

“People are looking for puppies or dogs that are 6 months old. When he came back he was a year old, and then two and then three,” Renner said.

Shelter staff kept rooting for Higgins. He was a wonderful pup. He just didn’t get along with cats and dogs, which was one of the reasons why people didn’t want to give him a chance.

Since he spent a lot of time in the shelter, people assumed that there was something wrong with him.

His Greatest Wish Came True

Throughout the years, the shelter kept sharing Higgins’ story, along with his photos, on social media. Just like the pooch, the shelter staff never stopped hoping that Higgins would find the happiness he deserved.

On day 2,381 in the shelter, Brendon Reed came to the shelter saying that he came to take the pup home.

He saw Higgins’ photo and felt moved by the dog’s story. Reed knew right away that the beautiful canine belonged with him. He couldn’t understand why nobody wanted to give him a home.

After waiting for so long, Higgins’ greatest dream came true. He was finally given a chance. His shelter friends were thrilled because their doggo got his happy ending.

The worried look on his face disappeared, and he transformed into a happy pup. He was smiling from ear to ear.

“He is just so happy, it’s kind of crazy. He just likes to chillax,” Reed said.

Higgins could finally be a real dog and enjoy his freedom while running in his yard. His dad showered him with love, and the delightful canine felt cherished and loved for the first time in his life.