Returned Three Times, This Dog Now Has Every Reason to Smile

Riggs was not just any dog. He was a gentle, affectionate soul who had so much love to give but nowhere to place it. All he ever wanted was a warm home, a family to belong to, and the chance to show someone how deeply he could care. Instead of receiving the kindness he so freely offered, Riggs experienced a string of rejections that left him emotionally shattered. Time after time, he was let down by the very people he trusted most, and his dream of finding a forever family slowly began to fade.

Riggs had already endured more than most dogs ever should. At just seven years old, he had been surrendered to an animal shelter three separate times, each time returning more disheartened than before. With every return, a piece of his spirit seemed to fade. Eventually, the once-hopeful pup began to lose faith that a forever home existed for him.

Riggs first arrived at Maricopa County Animal Control West in Phoenix back in 2019. He had been found wandering the streets alone and frightened. Thankfully, he was microchipped, and the shelter contacted his registered owner. But to everyone’s dismay, the owner refused to reclaim him. Just like that, Riggs was left behind, a nameless dog in a sea of forgotten faces.

Although the shelter team did their best to care for him, nothing could replace the love and security of a real home. Riggs waited patiently, his eyes scanning each visitor who walked by his kennel. And finally, someone took a chance on him. But happiness was short-lived. Riggs was adopted and then heartbreakingly returned. Not once. Not twice. But three separate times.

Each return chipped away at the gentle pup’s hope. After his third surrender, Riggs curled up tightly in the corner of his kennel. His head rested on the cold concrete floor, and his sad eyes told a story of loneliness and despair. He no longer lifted his head for passersby. He no longer wagged his tail in excitement. Riggs had given up.

One Saturday evening, a kindhearted woman named April, who lived in Goodyear, Arizona, felt an unusual tug on her heart. Though she had no intention of adopting another pet, something compelled her to visit the local animal shelter. April already had a full house with three cats and a dog, but she could not shake the feeling that she was meant to go.

The next morning, April followed her instincts and drove to the shelter. As she stepped through the door, she saw Riggs. He was the first dog she laid eyes on. There he was, lying silently in his kennel, his soul seemingly broken. His body was still, but his pain was palpable.

April was instantly overcome with emotion.

“When I first saw him I got down on my knees crying because I had never seen a dog look so sad. It broke my heart and I instantly felt a connection with him,” she told Newsweek.

In that moment, everything changed. April knew she was meant to give this sweet dog the home he had always deserved.

Without hesitation, April completed the adoption paperwork and was thrilled to learn that she could take Riggs home the very same day. As the staff prepared his departure, something in Riggs shifted. For the first time in a long while, he felt hope stir within him.

The moment he realized he was leaving the shelter, Riggs’ entire demeanor transformed. His eyes sparkled with newfound joy, and his tail began to wag with excitement. He could not stop smiling as he walked beside April, finally on his way to a home filled with love and compassion.

Riggs quickly bonded with April’s family. Her children welcomed him with open arms, and her other dog greeted Riggs as if he had always been part of the pack. Despite everything he had been through, Riggs adapted beautifully. He was gentle, affectionate, and eager to please.

April was amazed by how well he fit into their lives.

“He is a good boy and I cannot figure out why someone would abandon him. He is so good with our kids although we remain cautious of course. Our other dog adores him and he is so happy and relaxed now,” she shared.

It did not take long for Riggs to realize he was home. He snuggled up with his new family members, soaked up every bit of affection, and responded with endless love. He had always been ready to give his heart to someone. He just needed the right people to accept it.

Today, Riggs is living the life he always dreamed of. He wakes up in a warm bed, surrounded by humans who treasure him. He enjoys playtime with his furry siblings and cuddles with his favorite people. Most importantly, he now knows what it feels like to be truly loved.

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Riggs’ journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals and the life-changing impact of adoption. His story encourages others to look past a pet’s past and see the incredible future they can have with the right family.

This once-forgotten dog, who was surrendered three heartbreaking times, is now thriving in a home that was worth the wait. Thanks to April’s compassion and willingness to follow her heart, Riggs will never again feel the sting of rejection.