Every shelter dog longs for a human to hug them tightly and promise never to give up on them. Norman, a sorrowful shelter dog, had the same wish after his previous owner surrendered him to a shelter. Fortunately, Pets Stop Here, Inc., a volunteer organization in Rochester, New York, took him in. Frightened and unsure, Norman hoped to find a family who would believe in him and show him that he was deserving of love. But as time went on, he was overlooked repeatedly, possibly due to his anxiety and allergies, making him wonder if he would ever experience a happy ending.
A Great Family Notices Norman
Just as Norman began to lose hope, a compassionate girl spotted him and instantly fell in love. Her family decided to foster Norman with plans of adopting him. Upon moving into their home, Norman was still detached and sad, needing time to adjust. However, the kind humans showered him with love and encouragement, and slowly, Norman began to feel cherished. After a week, the family realized that Norman was meant to be with them and started gathering his belongings to return to his foster.
However, when Norman saw his mom dismantling his crate, he feared he was being returned to the shelter again. “He saw me take down the rescue’s crate and put it with the things he came with, and he hid in our spare room he NEVER goes in, then pouted in his bed… does he think I’m sending him back like everyone else??💔,” Norman’s mom shared on Instagram. She comforted him, assuring him he would stay with them forever.
Norman Finds A Best Friend
While still battling his fears, Norman found a best friend in Maggie, his family’s senior dog.
“He was very scared, but he loved Maggie… With her, he was very calm,” Norman’s forever mom shared with GeoBeats Animals.
The two pups spent much of their time together, cuddling and providing each other the comfort they needed. Norman always wanted to be near her.
When Maggie had surgery, Norman stayed by her side, offering his support and all his love. “She had surgery and lived in one room for a month; he was right beside her every second. She was his best friend,” his mom mentioned.
Building A Stronger Bond With His Mom
Sadly, Maggie crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of fifteen. Norman struggled to cope with the loss of his best friend. His heartbroken mom recognized his pain. Realizing that both of them needed to spend more time together to help cope with Maggie’s passing, she initiated weekly car rides since Norman didn’t enjoy outdoor activities as much. The pup loved these outings, and the time spent with his mom strengthened their bond, helping Norman feel better over time.
Norman frequently shares his everyday life on his Instagram account, where he enjoys napping next to his mom and snuggling with his family, finding their arms to be his safe haven. I’m grateful that Norman has such an amazing family who loves him unconditionally.
