While stray dogs wander lonely streets, they yearn for connection, hoping to elicit smiles from the strangers they encounter daily.
They would give anything to find their forever home and love their new family unconditionally.
Dolly was one such homeless pup, filled with love but without anyone to share it with.
One day, fate led her to a Dollar General in Auburndale, Florida. Entering the store, Dolly began jumping around joyfully, sensing that her luck was about to change.
Fateful Encounter
Source: The Dodo
That same day, a man named Ray visited the store. A clerk asked him to help capture a stray dog running through the aisles.
When Ray saw the charming dog wagging her tail and smiling, his heart melted. He petted the sweet pup and took her in his arms.
Source: The Dodo
Ray called Animal Control to report the stray. Since they couldn’t pick her up that day, they asked Ray if he could care for her until the next day. Ray happily agreed, and so did the pup, now named Dolly. She showered him with kisses as they headed to his home.
Dolly enjoyed being with Ray and constantly showered him with love. As they relaxed and watched Netflix together, Dolly felt she belonged in Ray’s home.
Source: The Dodo
“She crawled up on my shoulder and sighed as if to say, ‘That’s it, I’m done. I’m tired, I’m home,’” Ray told The Dodo. At that moment, Ray knew he wanted to keep her forever.
When Animal Control called, Ray expressed his desire to adopt Dolly if no one claimed her.
Dolly Goes To A Shelter
Source: The Dodo
Ray was heartbroken to learn that Dolly had to go to a shelter in Polk County, Florida, for processing. Dolly also didn’t want to be separated from Ray and longed to return home with him.
After discovering Dolly didn’t have a microchip, Ray hoped to adopt her if no one claimed her. Unfortunately, Dolly got stuck in the system for weeks due to the shelter taking in over a hundred dogs from a pet hoarding case.
Ray and Dolly missed each other dearly. Ray visited her every other day, but Dolly felt sorrowful every time he left without her. “You could tell she was just so sad. Her ears flopped when I had to leave. I was like, ‘Aw.’ I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” Ray added.
The Happiest Day
Source: The Dodo
One day, Ray received the happiest news during his visit: he could finally take Dolly home. The pup jumped into his arms, covering his face with kisses. Both Dolly and Ray were overjoyed to officially start their life together.
Back home, Dolly couldn’t contain her excitement and kept doing zoomies on the bed. Ray and Dolly became inseparable, and she happily accompanied him everywhere.
Source: The Dodo
Ray was amazed at how effortlessly Dolly fit into his life. “It feels like she’s always been here. It’s crazy,” Ray said. Dolly couldn’t stop smiling, finally having the dad of her dreams and giving him all her love.