For nearly two years, Yankee, a sweet, goofy dog with a big heart (and an even bigger bark), waited patiently behind shelter doors for someone to see what the staff at Saginaw County Animal Care & Control, Michigan, had always known – he was special.
Yankee first arrived at the shelter as a stray, and for a while, it looked like he had caught a break when his old family resurfaced again after losing him in a completely different county.
The family, especially Yankee, was ecstatic to be reunited, at least briefly. After a few days, the family returned Yankee, realizing that with their growing household and changing lifestyle, he no longer fit into their lives. That twist of fate landed Yankee back in the shelter where he stayed for another year.
Back To Basics
That year turned Yankee into the shelter’s longest resident – 683 days in total.
“That’s the longest I’ve ever seen since I’ve been working with shelters over the past seven years,” said Rachel Horton, the shelter’s director, in an interview.
But, despite this heartbreaking turn of events, Yankee never lost his spark.
With his big, dopey grin and tail that wagged like a propeller, Yankee became the heart of the shelter.
“I think he is just a big, derpy dog and strong that it intimidates people. But he’s such a lovebug. We worked really hard to keep him social and active,” Horton explained.
Staff and volunteers rallied around him. He had his own fan club, who walked him three times a day, brought him toys, and even took him out on field trips.
But, the days kept ticking by with no adopter in sight – until March, when a volunteer’s friend decided to take a chance on the big guy. Horton called the adoption a “blessing,” and not just because Yankee found a home, but because they still get regular updates on his new, happy life.
To New Beginnings
One of the best things about his new adoption, apart from his new home, was his send-off.
The shelter has a tradition they call “getting dressed,” where newly adopted animals get a fancy collar or a bandana and a little goody bag before heading to their new home. Usually, only a handful of staff show up for the goodbye. But, Yankee? He got a crowd.
“When Yankee went home, we had an adoption event. About 20 to 30 people were there. We were all together so we could do that walk out… so many wanted to say goodbye and wish him well,” Horton said.
The video of Yankee’s grand exit shows the happy pup prancing down the hallway with his tail wagging furiously as staff and volunteers clapped, cheered, and wiped away tears.
“He must’ve known his time had come because he immediately ran out the door,” Horton recalled.
Now in his new forever home, Yankee is finally getting to do all the things shelter dogs dream of. After nearly two years of waiting, he is no longer the longest resident. He’s just a dog living his best life.
“He’s been relaxing, snuggling, and climbing on the furniture. He’s making himself right at home,” she concluded.