From the moment puppies are born, the nurturing presence of their mother is essential. It gives them the security to grow, the comfort to thrive, and the love that shapes their future.
But not every puppy is given that chance.
Koby, a gentle Pit Bull mix, was one of the unlucky few. He was separated from his mother far too soon.
His breeders, disappointed that he and his siblings weren’t purebred, abandoned them outside a South Carolina shelter. The tiny pups, longing for warmth and affection, were left huddled in a cardboard box, waiting for someone to care.
A Puppy’s First Need Is A Mother’s Love
Shelter staff acted quickly to help the puppies.
Because the shelter was a kill facility, Ollie’s Angels Animal Rescue, a nonprofit based in New York, stepped in to take over their care.
When newlyweds Steven and Jessica visited the rescue hoping to adopt a dog, one puppy in particular, a tan Pit Bull mix named Koby, immediately captured their hearts.
The moment they held him, Koby melted into their arms as if he already knew they were his family.
“The first time we got to hold him, he just sunk in our arms,“ Steven told GeoBeats Animals.
That same day, Koby left the rescue and joined his new home.
Adjusting to his new life wasn’t easy. During his first nights, Koby struggled to sleep and seemed restless.
To help soothe him, Steven and Jessica bought a stuffed animal that mimicked a heartbeat and emitted gentle warmth. It brought him comfort and helped him relax.
As he settled in, Koby’s affectionate nature began to shine. He loved climbing into Steven’s lap and cuddling on the couch.
Before adopting Koby, Steven hadn’t realized how deeply Pit Bulls crave closeness and affection.
Together, he and Jessica poured their hearts into raising Koby, treating him like their own child.
In return, Koby became inseparable from them. He grew visibly sad whenever he couldn’t be by their side.
Steven and Jessica often say that Koby’s eyes reveal everything he feels.
“It’s like looking at a person. You know exactly what he’s feeling just based on his eyes alone,” Jessica told GeoBeats Animals.
A Dog’s Love Runs Deep
Steven and Jessica noticed how profoundly Koby was affected by losing his mother so early. Though he missed out on her care, he gave all his love to his human parents.
When Jessica became pregnant, Koby’s protective instincts emerged. He stayed close to her throughout her pregnancy, often resting his head on her belly as if watching over both mother and child.
Though he adores Jessica, Steven is his favorite. Koby spends hours gazing out the window, waiting for Steven to return from work.
The moment he hears the door, he bursts with joy, showering Steven with kisses and hugs.
To Steven, Koby is more than a pet, he’s family.
Steven says Koby feels like a son, and their daily reunions are moments he treasures. Both he and Jessica agree they can’t imagine life without him.
“He’s become such an important part of my every day. If I have a tough day at work, it’s nice coming home to a beautiful wife, but it’s also nice coming home to somebody that you know is guaranteed gonna greet you with excitement and hugs and kisses,” Steven said.
Today, Koby shares glimpses of his joyful life on Instagram. He recently became a proud big brother to a human sister, whom he protects with the same devotion he gives his parents.
