It’s always heartbreaking when dogs are surrendered to a shelter, suddenly upended from the only home they’ve ever known and left in an unfamiliar environment.
That was the case for a dog named Max, who struggled in the shelter after losing his home of 8 years. But when a familiar face from his past heard his story, it changed everything…
Max arrived at the Pennsylvania SPCA 8 years ago and was quickly adopted out, but sadly he recently ended up right back where he started. The shelter wrote that due to “unforeseen circumstances,” Max was surrendered by his longtime owners.
After losing the only home he’s known for the past 8 years, Max was understandably sad and confused and struggled in the new surroundings.
“Max was terrified here. He was heartbroken. He wouldn’t even eat,” the Pennsylvania SPCA wrote on Facebook.
“This job breaks my heart daily,” shelter employee Sarah Brown wrote on TikTok, sharing a sad video of the miserable-looking Max in his kennel.
Max’s sad story drew a lot of attention and sympathy from people online — and caught the attention of someone from the dog’s past.
Someone who recognized the dog, described as an “old friend,” saw the TikTok, recognized Max and reached out to the shelter.
She paid Max a visit, and knew she would be the best choice to give Max a new home — and decided to adopt him for good.
“She was eager to get him back to somewhere he felt safe. Somewhere he felt loved,” the Pennsylvania SPCA wrote on Facebook. “And there was no better place than her home – forever.”
That Max was recognized by this person from his old life was truly fate. “They say everyone comes into your life for a reason. I think its the same for dogs,” Sarah Brown wrote on TikTok. “Thank you to Max’s old friends who have turned into his new family.
She also shared a video of the moment Max “walked through the shelter doors one last time,” on his way to his forever home.
Photos show the incredible transformation Max has made since his adoption: that miserable shelter dog is now smiling and happy as can be.
We’re so glad that Max has found a new home with his old friend. Please share this story if you love dogs! ❤️
