Tank once had a loving home and a family he cherished, believing it was his fairy tale ending until his owners brought him to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Long Island, New York.
His owners noted that they could no longer keep him as their two other dogs weren’t getting along with him.
This sudden change was incredibly tough on Tank, as he had lost the people he loved dearly.
Upon arriving at the shelter, he became heartbroken and retreated to a corner of his kennel, trying to avoid interaction with the staff.
Tank longed for his family and held onto the hope that they would return for him.
Waiting For His Owner
Whenever Tank heard footsteps near his kennel, his eyes would light up with hope. He would eagerly rush to the door, believing it to be his owner.
“Every time someone approached the door, he’d perk up, thinking, ‘Oh my God, is it my owner?’ It was heartbreaking to watch his hope fade,” Presley, a shelter staff member, told Cuddle Buddies.
Once Tank realized his family wasn’t coming back, he would lower his head and retreat to his corner again.
The shelter staff attempted to lift his spirits by encouraging him to go outside, but he resisted, unwilling to trust anyone at that stage.
Tank became guarded, not wanting to suffer further hurt.
After hearing about Tank’s sadness from a colleague, Presley decided to personally meet him.
As Presley entered Tank’s kennel, her heart sank. The frightened little dog was trembling in the corner of his enclosure.
She gently spoke to him, encouraging him to come closer, but he remained hidden.
Presley, showing her big heart, didn’t give in. She kept speaking softly to him while offering him treats.
Eventually, Tank sensed Presley’s care and agreed to go for a walk with her.
Tank Opens His Heart To Love
During their stroll outside, Tank began to enjoy the fresh air with Presley. He slowly started to trust a human once again and began to open his heart to love.
“He transformed into a totally different dog. His affectionate side emerged,” Presley remarked.
That initial walk marked a turning point for Tank.
From that moment on, Tank would eagerly anticipate Presley’s visits to his kennel, excited for each walk. He longed to sit on her lap and shower her with kisses.
Tank craved affection and formed a bond with Paige, another volunteer at the shelter who also earned his trust.
On his first off-site trip with Presley, Tank seized the day with glee.
Being outside the shelter allowed Tank to embrace the joys of being a dog again. He was constantly wagging his tail and smiling.
Presley was overjoyed to witness Tank’s newfound happiness and relaxation.
She encourages prospective adopters to visit Tank a few times to help him trust them before taking him home.
Tank is still patiently waiting for his forever family at the Hempstead shelter on Long Island. He is excited to meet the loving humans who will welcome him into their lives.
With any luck, this charming Pittie will soon find a dedicated family that will never let him go.
