Shelter's Longest Tenured Dog Gets a Heartfelt Farewell from Staff When He Finally Gets Adopted
The main character of this tear-jerking story is a lovable dog named Big Mac. Big Mac is the longest resident of McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He was surrendered by his previous owners to the center. His last family had to give him up because they were about to move, and sadly, they no longer had time for him.
Upon arrival, the staff and volunteers of the shelter knew that the big dog would have a hard time finding a new, loving home. Big Mac was nervous around people and other dogs, and it was apparent that he didn't trust people easily.
Lauren Mann, the center's advancement manager, shared that they had no clear picture of what kind of environment Big Mac had grown up in. Therefore, it was going to be a challenge to earn his affection and loyalty.
Eventually, the sweeter and more trusting side of the big dog emerged. They all helped coax him out of his kennel and plied him with treats, which helped him calm down faster.
They also observed that he was much more relaxed when he was free to roam around in the center's play yard compared to when he was inside the kennel. The staff knew that it would take a patient person to get Big Mac to trust humans.
It wasn't easy, and although they hoped for it, nobody adopted the good boy.
Here's Big Mac surrounded by the most comforting things in the world — plushies
Big Mac didn't receive a lot of attention—not until one of the volunteers took a shine to him.
An anonymous volunteer from the shelter agreed to foster Big Mac. The kindness of this stranger was the missing piece that the dog needed to trust again.
On his first night at his new foster home, Big Mac slept for 12 hours straight! He finally relaxed and was once again happy to be a part of a family.
He opened up immediately to his new foster parent and was no longer scared of playing with the other dog. He even tried to play with his foster cat sibling!
It was like meeting a new version of Big Mac, and everyone was thrilled about the progress!
Big Mac looks focused as he readies himself for new adventures
The volunteer's other dog was the perfect sibling for Big Mac.
He followed the other dog's footsteps to learn his new surroundings. When they went for walks and Big Mac got nervous, he looked to the other dog as if to ask if it was okay.
When Big Mac saw that the other dog was safe, all his worries melted away.
Big Mac happily out and about. He looks so happy!
The long-awaited moment...
After 260 days of living in a shelter, Big Mac is finally ready to come to his forever home.
The foster parent fell in love with Big Mac and couldn't bear to bring him back to the shelter. Now, the big sweetheart is officially a member of the family!
The staff decided to give Big Mac a special goodbye. As he walked out the doors of the center for the final time, they all gave him a standing ovation!
Instead of being scared, the dog seemed to understand what was happening and loved every moment of it.
The once-nervous dog is no longer so scared anymore.
Get tissues before watching the full video here:
It's the best outcome for such a big softie like Big Mac. He now has a loving parent to care for him and siblings who can teach him the ropes.
Whose heart grew twice as big because of this lovely story? Talk to us in the comments!
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