Every shelter dog dreams of the day they’ll find a forever family—a day when they’ll finally be embraced by loving arms. While some dogs face long waits, their hope never fades, and they keep believing that their special moment will come. Samson, one of many shelter pups, held on to that hope. He longed for the comfort of a real home and the love of a family he could call his own. Samson had seen countless dogs leave the shelter, each cradled by their new families. Though happy for them, he couldn’t help but wonder when it would be his turn.
Rescued alongside 19 others, Samson had been brought to the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Kennewick, Washington. From there, he was placed with a wonderful foster family who showered him with love and care.
Though he loved his foster home, Samson still yearned for a permanent family. Many people were interested in adopting him, but they lived too far away, in places like New York or Texas. Things finally seemed to take a positive turn when a local family expressed interest in meeting him.
His foster mom took him to the shelter for a scheduled meet-and-greet, and shelter volunteer Julie Saraceno was there to witness what was supposed to be Samson’s big day. The excited pup eagerly awaited the chance to meet his potential family and give them a big hug. But as time passed, it became clear that no one was coming.
Samson’s disappointment was palpable. As the reality sank in, his behavior shifted, and he became anxious, dreading a return to the shelter kennel. His foster mom was heartbroken, seeing how much the letdown affected him.
A week after the missed meeting, Saraceno visited Samson and made a video showing the sad pup standing by the kennel door, his paws pressed through the bars. His eyes reflected the sadness he couldn’t hide. Saraceno shared the video on Instagram, hoping to touch the hearts of potential adopters. The video went viral, and many people were moved by Samson’s story, cheering him on in his search for a forever home. But little did Samson know, his happy ending was already closer than he realized.
His foster family had missed him so much after his return to the shelter that they realized they couldn’t let him go. They returned to the shelter, filled out the adoption papers, and reunited with their beloved dog. Samson’s new dad kissed him the moment they were together again, and Samson, standing on his hind legs, wrapped his paws around him in a hug.
What these dogs went through must have been terrifying and painful. That's why we're demanding true and complete justice for these pups and their family.
As Samson left the shelter with his forever family, his tail wagged with joy, and his eyes sparkled with happiness. Sitting in his dad’s car, the pup knew the best part of his life was just beginning. His dream of finding a family had finally come true. To see Samson leaving the shelter with his new dad, click ‘play’ below.
Toledo, United States.
