The reality is painful: not all shelter dogs get the chance they deserve. Some are simply luckier than others. Those second chances simply take a little longer to come around for overlooked pups.
Mugsy, a sweet eight-week-old Pug mix, was definitely one of them.
One by one, he watched his mom and his two siblings walk out of the shelter with their new families. When the last door closed, he realized he was the only one left.
From that moment on, Mugsy had been hoping for a new chance. But instead of a loving home, he received nothing but silence.
Mugsy’s Heartbreaking Video
When Mugsy and his family were admitted to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society in Washington, little did the volunteers know that this tiny boy would be the last one of the litter waiting for adoption.
Mugsy, described as playful, lively, friendly, and a spitting image of his mom, suddenly shut down from the world.
In an emotional video posted by Julie Saraceno, one of the volunteers at the Washington shelter, Mugsy is featured inside his tiny kennel, sitting on a blanket next to a crate.
“POV you siblings and your mom got adopted, and you’re the only one left. This is Mugsy. He’s an 8 week old pug mix. I’m shocked he’s still here. I hope he gets to go home soon,” the video text reads.
The short clip struck a chord with thousands of people online. The only question was: how could such a loving puppy, one who had just lost everything familiar, still be waiting?
Adoptable at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Kennewick, Washington.
However, Mugsy’s sweet nature seemed to be insufficient for potential adopters. Many mistook this tiny boy’s heartbreak and quietness for unfriendliness.
But thanks to Saraceno, Mugsy, who spent days with no applications, suddenly had his story heard by thousands. Eventually, the video of him waiting in the kennel reached someone who truly wanted to help him.
An Update We’ve Been Waiting For
Just when it seemed Mugsy might spend months waiting, hope came wagging back into his life.
Julie, who originally shared his story with her followers, came back with a heartfelt update: Mugsy was officially adopted into a loving home!
“Great news! Shelter dog Mugsy has gone home. His new mom saw his video the other day, fell in love, and got to pick him up this morning. Thanks for choosing rescue,” Saraceno wrote in the post.
The image that followed showed Mugsy in his new mom’s arms, finally glowing with the well-known joy of a dog who finally knows he’s home.
After all the heartbreak, confusion, and days of waiting for a chance, Mugsy’s story ended exactly how everyone hoped it would.
From now on, Mugsy will spend his days curled up in a warm bed, surrounded by love. With his new mom, he will finally learn all the joys of life, and we can’t wait for his next update.
Good luck, Mugsy. And a happy life!
