In every animal shelter there are hundreds of puppies waiting for a loving home. But these puppies remain in a race against time, as families usually prefer puppies. This is the story of Ginger, a Labrador retriever mix who arrived as a puppy at the Dogwood Animal Shelter at Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri, USA. Ginger, like her companions, was thrilled with each visit because she knew it meant she or one of her siblings could finally be adopted. The caregivers knew that with each passing year, Ginger’s chances of adoption were diminishing. Ginger simply gave up hope and grew old inside the shelter, not living the full life she knew she could achieve.
After 7 years living in the shelter, the look on Ginger’s face behind her cage was simply bleak. That’s why the shelter came up with a great idea to help her get the family she had been waiting for. The shelter decided to take a picture of Ginger in her cage with a sign telling her story to then be shared via social media. “Hi, I’m Ginger! I’ve been waiting here for 7 years, 9 months, 2 weeks and 2 days. I’m a good girl, I promise! I just need a second chance.” Says the sign on the photo that quickly went viral.
Everyone was truly touched by Ginger’s story and her sad look. Hundreds of proposals came in from people hoping to win the heart of this noble little dog, until finally, Ginger was adopted by a woman in 2020. Her owner loves her so much and knows we all want to keep hearing from her, so she created her own Instagram account to share her new life full of love and happiness. Adopting is one of the greatest acts of love we can do for these special creatures. Regardless of their breed or age, they will be willing to give you all the love and loyalty they can. That’s why it’s so important that we look out for the little dogs who need us most to give them a second chance.
