When a forsaken dog named Ginger showed up at Dogwood Animal Shelter in Missouri, she, akin to any other canine, yearned to be out of there swiftly.
Nonetheless, due to her past leaving a significant mark on her, the search for a permanent home proved to be more challenging than she anticipated.
Ginger struggled with trusting humans and was exceptionally nervous, and since no one was willing to provide her with the understanding and affection she craved, all she could do was remain hopeful that things would eventually improve.
Regrettably, “soon” turned out to be far in the future.
At The Shelter
Ginger entered the shelter in 2013 and, over the course of the next seven years, was waiting patiently in the Missouri facility, wishing that someone would notice her charming face. However, potential adopters would simply walk past her, overlooking the wonderful pup she genuinely was.
With the passage of time, this former youthful canine transitioned into a senior whose chocolate coat was now tinted with white and gray.
Aside from the alterations in her look, Ginger’s existence remained unchanged.
This now older dog gradually began to lose faith, believing that she would never have a family of her own.
However, in 2020, Scott Poore, the shelter pet champion of Mission Driven, learned about Ginger and her plight and resolved to take action to alter the fate of this beloved pup.
“It completely shattered my heart, so I paused everything and devoted all my energy to her. I began sharing her story with anyone who would listen,” Poore recounted to The Dodo.
After spending a significant part of her existence in the Missouri shelter, Ginger’s fortune finally shifted.
New Life
Thanks to the attention generated by Poore, Ginger’s kennel finally attracted some visitors.
Among them was Beth – a human who decided this dog deserved to spend the remainder of her years in the most fulfilling way possible.
Returning home with Beth rekindled the hope that Ginger had lost during her lengthy stay at the shelter. She completely emerged from her shell and displayed to everyone that a pup’s exuberance still resided within her.
“Without a doubt, there was a transformation. Initially, she was extremely nervous and defensive. Now, she enters a new setting with confidence. Observing her leap onto a bed or tread across floors, genuinely being a dog, was a wonderful sight. She’s no longer this delicate shelter dog. She recognizes her name and carries it proudly,” Beth shared with The Dodo.
For some canines, life requires a bit longer to truly commence. Ginger’s journey truly began at the age of ten.
Ginger is now a 13-year-old dog who, despite facing some health issues, cherishes life and savors each day that comes.
Nevertheless, Ginger is not the only one whose life transformed upon her adoption.
Prior to Ginger entering her life, Beth was a nervous young adult striving to manage her life. Today, Beth is married, a homeowner, and has a thriving career.
“Ginger and I have undoubtedly evolved together. I feel that when I welcomed her, we were both navigating the journey into adulthood together. The most crucial lesson Ginger imparted to me is that it’s absolutely fine to start anew… that irrespective of what life throws at you, there’s always hope for a brighter tomorrow — you cannot progress in the same environment that caused you pain. Together, we are flourishing now,” Beth expressed.
Final Word
Regrettably, Ginger is merely one of countless dogs who are unfortunate enough to endure the majority of their lives in a shelter.
I sincerely hope that just as with Ginger, each of them will experience a complete turnaround in their lives through a human who recognizes their true capabilities and provides them the home they rightfully deserve.
That human could be you! Please visit your local shelter and bring joy to a pup’s life by granting them a lifestyle worth living.
“I want to encourage more individuals to adopt the ‘unadoptable’ or long-term animals and give them a fresh chance to experience love and life,” Beth concluded.