A journey of how a shelter dog found his forever home. 

Imagine a place where the hopeful gazes of shelter dogs collide with those of potential owners, each pair of eyes looking for a connection. This served as the setting for Alex's encounter with Buster, a black Labrador whose boundless energy had yet to find its forever home.

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It was a typical Wednesday afternoon when Alex got off work early, craving something different from his monotonous routine. He had seen videos and photos of his friends with their pets, living happily. The loneliness of being an orphan since he was ten and the nagging feeling of a long-neglected need for company pushed him through those shelter doors. The barks and meows could have been overwhelming, but all the noise faded when he locked eyes with Buster. Buster had lived at Best Friend Animal Society since he was a puppy after he got lost in the woods and lost one of his legs. Known for his gentle demeanor and genuine smile, Buster experienced less loneliness than Alex but received excellent treatment from the shelter, renowned for its commitment to rehabilitating and rehoming dogs. Yet, he still needed a home. Buster's tail thumped against the kennel floor, and his eyes followed Alex's every move. The Best Friend Animal Society staff watched with misty eyes as Alex and Buster's strong and silent bond was formed. As Alex spoke softly to Buster, promising adventures and a home filled with laughter, it was clear that the wait for both of them was over.

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Adoptions like Alex and Buster's are not unusual at Best Friend Animal Society. Indeed, the shelter found loving homes for almost 300 pets in 2023. These happy endings are part of a more significant trend, with more pets adopted nationwide this year.

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The endearing tale of Alex and Buster brings attention to a severe problem. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a quarter of pets ending up in shelters have been abandoned by their owners. Sadly, some animals are not as fortunate as others to find loving homes, and too many are abandoned by their owners for numerous reasons. Some may face unmet financial responsibilities, others an excessive workload. Nevertheless, for every dog who finds a forever home, countless others are left behind. The shelter believes Alex can take care of Buster and will not abandon him for any reason. This desertion not only puts a strain on shelters but also leaves animals feeling lost and confused.

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Keep in mind that adopting a pet entails a lifetime commitment. If you're ready to offer and receive unconditional loyalty, visit Best Friend Animal Society Join us as we fight against pet abandonment and for every animal to have a loving, forever home.

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For more information, please contact Stephanie Lam at sslam@usc.edu.