Joey is unique and everyone who meets him falls in love. The 5-year-old pit bull mix should not have to spend more than 500 days at a shelter, but that is exactly what happened—and it was entirely out of his control.
The adorable dog quickly won over the entire crew, so when Joey’s forever family showed up to whisk him away to the life of his dreams, they knew they had to send him farewell in the grandest manner imaginable.
According to Kimberly LaRussa, founder of Sweet Buffalo to the Rescue, “The staff always wanted to make sure the shelter dogs knew how loved they were, so a special send-off was started by us so the dogs knew how much they meant to us and to make them feel happy about going to their new home.”
One of their longest residents should be remembered at the leaving party.
“We wanted to give Joey a relaxing and calm send-off, so we thought we could put some leis on him as a sign of friendship and give him treats,” LaRussa added. “It was really beautiful to see him with all the lies he accumulated towards the end of the send-off.”
Joey’s touching departure can be seen here:
Joey, a former homeless stray, would be still in the shelter a year later. Nobody could have predicted that. He was rejected by everyone and Joey became impatient.
“[He] adjusted the best he could,” according to LaRussa. “He was very much loved by the former staff and volunteers. But as time went on, we could tell he longed for something more than we could give him … a nice warm bed, cuddles at night, his own people to love him.”
LaRussa saw the puppy in despair, whimpering and looking helpless, and decided to take action. She made a short video and posted it on social media. Interest exploded at once. Daryl Koczaja & Melissa Leuer, a unique couple were happy.
Leuer recalled, “I remember watching his videos over and over while crying and thinking to myself, ‘Someone needs to help this poor baby. Little did I know, it would be us.”
Joey and potential adopters felt a connection immediately after LaRussa set up a meet and greet.
“The moment we all met, we were in love — he was such a sweetheart!” Leuer said. “He ran straight to Daryl and gave him tons of kisses. We just felt like he was meant to be with us like he was waiting there the whole time till we were ready for him.”
Joey took a while to get used to his new lifestyle, but he’s now the biggest cuddle bug. He smiles at people when he sees them.
“Joey is still just as wonderful as the day we adopted him,” Leuer said. “[He’s]He brought laughter and joy into our home. We look forward making more memories with him, and giving him everything he’s always wanted. We truly couldn’t ask for a better dog!”
Source: The Dodo
