Louisiana Shelter Pup’s Joyful Smile Becomes His Ticket To A New Life

By Robert Brown 11/25/2025

In Shreveport, Louisiana, a young Labrador Retriever mix named Burreaux drew attention from people far beyond the walls of his shelter, all because of one charming trait that set him apart: a wide, toothy grin that he offered to anyone who stopped to notice him. 

At only twelve weeks old, he waited patiently for someone to take him home, greeting every visitor with his unusual little smile as if it were his way of asking for love. With each grin, he seemed determined to brighten the day of whoever walked past his kennel, and before long, he became unforgettable.

Puppy With A Grin That Changed His Whole Future


Burreaux’s story began when he and his two littermates were moved from Caddo Animal Control to the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana, , known as HSNWLA. 

When the shelter’s director, Courtney Wingate, first laid eyes on him, she immediately noticed his crooked, eager smile and felt a connection she could not ignore. 

That simple expression shifted the direction of his life. She chose to bring him and his siblings into her care so they could receive attention, medical help, and the chance to grow in a safe place.

Soon after arriving, Burreaux was diagnosed with parvo, a serious illness that required immediate treatment.

The Humane Society wrote on their Facebook page, “He did have parvo then, so he received treatment and BEAT PARVO!!! We have even started teaching him how to play fetch,” proudly sharing his progress online. 

Even while facing sickness, his lively personality never faded.

He continued to greet people with that same playful charm he showed from the beginning, quickly becoming a favorite among volunteers and visitors who could not get enough of his warm, friendly energy.

A Smile That Invited Affection


Burreaux’s grin became the trait that made him stand out. He did not reserve it for special moments, instead choosing to share it whenever someone offered him even the smallest bit of kindness. 

There was one particular detail that made his smile even more endearing: he flashed it only when people spoke to him in a gentle, high-pitched voice.

“It’s like a ‘come pet me, come love me’ smile,” explained Walton, a volunteer from HSNWLA. 

His smile quickly turned into his way of welcoming affection, as though he were asking for cuddles simply by showing his teeth. 

People visiting the shelter could not resist the pup who looked as though he was politely requesting love, and his photos spread quickly, gathering attention from far beyond the shelter walls.

The Perfect Family Falls In Love With His Expression


Eventually, all the affection he drew in paid off, and Burreaux found a family to call his own. 

After spending time waiting and flashing his signature grin, someone recognized how special he was and chose to bring him home. 

Although the volunteers felt a mixture of joy and sadness when it came time to let him go, they were comforted knowing he was now surrounded by people who appreciated him exactly as he was.

Now he can soak up all the attention he asked for with his adorable smile, living in the warmth of a family who sees the same lovable charm the shelter first admired. His friends at HSNWLA feel certain he will keep greeting the world with that goofy grin, spreading happiness to everyone who crosses his path.

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