Sadly, not all dogs get to spend holidays in a warm and cozy home. Instead of gathering with their families indoors, the sad shelter pups wait behind kennel doors.
For dogs who used to live in a home, that waiting can feel especially difficult.
Orson knows that all too well. He is a large shepherd mix who once had a family and a home. Unfortunately, he was returned to the noisy shelter, feeling lost and confused.
Time passed, and nobody gave him a second chance. But then, one evening, everything changed.
A Long Road Back To The Kennel
Orson was first rescued years ago and brought to Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption (CARA) in Sanford, North Carolina.
He didn’t have to wait long to find a home and was adopted quickly. He spent about four years in a home.
During that time, Orson felt safe and was convinced that this was his forever home.
However, over time, problems arose. He began clashing with the family’s other dog over toys and treats. It was a stressful time for the family, who felt overwhelmed.
“They just didn’t want to manage the situation anymore,” shelter manager Estrella Ruiz told The Dodo.
They made a decision to return Orson to CARA, where he has lived since early 2024.
It was difficult for Orson to return to the shelter. After living in a home for years, the kennel felt loud and confusing, and the pup struggled to adjust.
And yet, he remained friendly and kind. He lit up during adoption events, where he could meet people and feel visible again. Each time the event ended, he returned to his lonely kennel.
One Night That Changed Everything
Earlier this holiday season, a shelter volunteer decided to give Orson a break from the North Carolina shelter. She took him home for one night.
At seven years old and weighing 82 pounds, Orson showed how comfortable he felt in a house. He didn’t bark or pace. Nor did he cause damage or have accidents.
When the volunteer invited him onto the bed, he settled in and rested until morning.
“[He] just seemed to appreciate resting and getting away from this kind of stressful environment,” Ruiz said.
That night, Orson relaxed in a way the shelter had not allowed him to for a long time. The visit also showed how well he could connect with other dogs.
Despite his past challenges, he got along with the volunteer’s dog.
“I even saw them licking each other’s snouts,” she told CARA.
Orson followed instructions and waited patiently when he was left alone. Fetch remained his favorite activity, and treats still brought him joy.
The shelter later shared the story of his overnight stay on Facebook, and many people were moved by his story.
As Orson’s two-year anniversary at the shelter approached, something amazing happened.
A potential adopter stepped forward. By December 26, 2025, Orson entered a foster to adopt trial.
This time, he did not spend the holidays behind kennel doors. He opened gifts, and watched Christmas movies. Life was beautiful again.
We hope to hear the news of his adoption soon. Orson deserves to be happy.
