Every day, shelter dogs wake up hoping to finally meet their humans and be loved.
Shelter dogs, hungry for love and affection, will try to get the attention of visitors when they see them approaching the kennel. Many dogs start wagging their tails and barking in hopes of being noticed.
Rudy was one of those quiet shelter dogs who sat in his kennel, looking sadly at people passing by. The adorable pit bull mix had been rejected by her family and was in desperate need of someone to talk to her and tell her she was worth it.
Discover Rudy and learn his story
White dog lying in bed with his master
Among those participating that day with the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Pennsylvania was a volunteer named Stephanie. She is grieving the loss of her heart dog, Hank, and has come to help the dogs at the shelter and show them the love they are missing.
When he entered the shelter, he found all the dogs except one named Rudy barking loudly. His thoughtful face immediately caught her attention and melted her heart.
“… He’s just sitting there looking at me, almost like saying please come talk to me.”
Stephanie was saddened after she heard Rudy’s story. He used to have a family who adopted him. After giving him hope and taking him home, they decided that they didn’t want him anymore.
They left her on the street and hurt her feelings. He wandered the area alone, scavenging for scraps of food to survive. Fortunately, humanitarian police found him and took him inside. Rudy was in a terrible situation. He was very small and his body was covered in fleas. Stephanie noticed the sad expression on his face and started spending more time with him, walking with him and talking with him.
Rudy leaves the shelter
cute dog on a leash
Little by little he fell in love with her. She and her husband Matt decided to adopt with the intention of adopting her. She wanted to help him regain his confidence and become a happy puppy. Rudy left the shelter and got into Stephanie’s car. The puppy became so confident and comfortable with him that he rested his head on his shoulder. Stephanie was very happy.
The next morning, Stephanie became concerned about Rudy’s health when she noticed him chewing on his leg. She immediately called the shelter, which was convinced that Rudy might have a food allergy.
Old woman lying with her dog
He realized he couldn’t take Rudy back to the shelter. She needed him, and he was determined to help her figure out what was causing her allergies.
Rudy checks the fur and saliva. “…I started seeing what was going on and taking those things,” Stephanie said.
He seemed to be getting better. After noticing that her weight was changing, Stephanie decided to test her microbiome. Learning that Rudy had food sensitivities was a turning point. A resistant dog gained weight after starting to reject foods to which he was sensitive.
Completing Each Other’s Lives
Both Stephanie and Matt showered Rudy with love, and the pup loves to cuddle with both of his parents. With his adorable kisses, he lets them know how much he adores them.
“In the evening, he will take turns snuggling us. He will go over to dad, snuggle time and then after a while, like eight o’clock every night, he comes over and snuggles with me,” said Stephanie.
Although Rudy has gained confidence, he still needs some reassurance.
Whenever he thinks that he has done something wrong, he wants his parents to hold his paw. He needs to know that it’s okay.
Stephanie is grateful to Rudy because he taught her many things. He helped her cope with the loss of Hank, whom she will love forever. Rudy carved out his own space in her heart.
The adorable pup often posts cute pictures on Instagram about his adventures and sweet moments with his parents and his cat siblings, Winnie, Boris, and Ty.
Rudy loves going hiking in the woods in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He also enjoys going on walks with his doggy friend, Gracie.
We’re happy that Rudy lives his best life. He knows that he will never be rejected and abandoned again. He and his mom have completed each other’s life.
