This Family Was Having A Baby – So They Abandoned Their Loyal Dog
The life of Smiley, an adorable pit bull, was turned upside down when his family decided they could no longer keep him due to the arrival of a new baby.
In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, Smiley was put on death row – and ultimately saved by a loving foster family.
Heartbreaking Betrayal
Smiley’s journey began with uncertainty and betrayal.
Surrendered to a crowded shelter in Brooklyn, he faced a grim fate on the “kill list,” not because of aggression or health issues, but due to moments of discomfort with handling.
Source: Julie Carner
Julie Carner, a foster mom and advocate for pit bulls, took to Facebook to share Smiley’s plight, emphasizing his good nature, obedience, and his longing for a family to love.
“I’M A GOOD BOY, I WOULD HAVE LOVED THAT NEW BABY! – PLEASE HELP ME, I DONT WANT TO DIE … By all accounts he is a just about perfect – friendly and outgoing, loves to play with his ball toys along with squeaky toys, house-trained, he knows commands sit, stay and come in SPANISH, if he pulls on the leash he will slow down when told to, no guarding issues.” she posted to Facebook.
A Cry for Help Answered
The heartfelt plea caught the attention of Olena Kagui and her husband during a subway ride.
Moved to tears by Smiley’s story and the prospect of his untimely death, Olena felt compelled to act.
“I started bawling when I saw that no one in the comments said they could take him” said Olena.
Source: The Dodo
Her husband was not ready to get a dog at that point, but her determination finally paid off and she was able to convince him.
They reached out to the shelter and found out that a local rescue group – Pound Hounds Res-Q – was already working on rescuing Smiley. All they needed was a foster home; and it was all found with Olena and her husband stepping in.
The Path to Trust and Love
Upon arrival at his new foster home, Smiley was understandably nervous and shy, a reflection of the turmoil and rejection he had experienced.
However, the environment of patience, understanding, and love provided by Kagui and her husband allowed Smiley to gradually open up.
His true nature, affectionate and eager to please, began to shine through as he acclimated to his new surroundings, showing signs of trust and contentment.
A Forever Home Found
The transformation from a nervous, betrayed pup to a beloved family member was swift.
Kagui and her husband, witnessing Smiley’s resilience and joy, decided to make him a permanent member of their family.
“Smiley already feels like part of our family. It doesn’t take long for a foster dog to make their way into your heart. Our home would already feel empty without him here.”
Today, Smiley enjoys the life every dog deserves, surrounded by love, care, and the companionship of a family that sees him not as a burden, but as a cherished member.
Source: The Dodo
His story of redemption from the brink of despair to a loving home is a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative impact of adoption and the second chances that await dogs like Smiley in shelters across the country.
The founder of Pound Hounds Res-Q, Donna Darrell, met the dog and his new family, and was full of joy to see how much more happy he had become.
“To think that he was going to be killed because his family was having a baby is crazy.” said Donna.
Smiley’s journey from a shelter to a forever home is a heartwarming reminder of the difference compassion can make. It stands as a call to action for those considering adding a pet to their family: to look first to the many deserving animals waiting in shelters for their chance to give and receive love.
Source: The Dodo
