There are dogs who, even after experiencing abandonment and solitude, still choose love again and again.
Take Pongo, for example.
He has seen countless shelter companions walk out the door with new families while he stayed behind, unnoticed.
Yet every morning he rises with a wagging tail, ready to share affection with anyone who crosses his path.
From his playful zoomies to his tender kisses, from his peaceful strolls on the leash to his warm lap cuddles, every bit of Pongo’s energy is driven by the hope that this could be the day his person finally comes for him.
A Kind Soul With A Painful Past
Life at the shelter hasn’t been easy for Pongo, but what brought him there was even more heartbreaking.
Before arriving at Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley in Pennsylvania, Pongo was left alone in an abandoned house. His owner had walked away, and he waited, surviving with almost nothing, hoping they’d return.
Eventually, the landlord discovered Pongo and brought him to the shelter, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
From the moment he arrived, Pongo showed nothing but kindness. His sweet and playful nature surprised many, challenging every stereotype about Pitbulls.
Among those who adore him, one volunteer stands out: Danielle. She first saw him in the play yard and was immediately drawn to his personality. Since then, their bond has only grown stronger.
“Pongo, he has never met a stranger, he has never met a person or animal that he did not like. He is just the sweetest, friendliest, most loving, and breaks every stereotype about the Pitbull breed,” Danielle told Cuddle Buddies.
Danielle makes sure to take Pongo out as often as possible, giving him a break from the kennel and a taste of what life in a home could be. It pains her to see him passed over time and again, so she’s doing everything she can to show the world who he truly is.
“Pongo HATES kennel life. He LOVES the real world and he knows it’s out there and he’s tired of living life without an active family to play with him,” Danielle wrote on her Facebook.
Still Holding Out For A Family
Pongo is more than ready to find his forever home. Though a few adoption applications have come in, none have led to a match.
Until then, he continues his training and spends time with Danielle. She’s confident he would thrive in a lively household, especially one with another dog to keep him company.
“Pongo will do best in an active home and quite possibly a dog sibling to keep him entertained,” Danielle concludes in another post.
At his core, Pongo is a joyful, loving dog who wants nothing more than to run, play, and make friends with everyone he meets.
Danielle and the shelter team remain hopeful. After all the goodbyes he’s had to say to dogs he’s bonded with, they know Pongo deserves a family of his own more than ever.
