In a heartwarming turn of events, a senior German shepherd named Higgins finally found his forever home after enduring nearly seven years in a shelter. For the volunteers at the shelter, Higgins had become a beloved resident, but the fear that he might never be adopted was always present. Older dogs, especially those who have had tough experiences, tend to receive less interest from prospective adopters, and Higgins was no exception.
Many visitors to the kennel had suggested euthanizing Higgins, as they believed no one would ever give him a chance at happiness. But one person never lost hope. Leslie Renner, the executive director of The Humane Society of Preble County in Ohio, remained determined to find Higgins a loving home. She believed that Higgins, like all dogs, deserved a chance at love and loyalty—qualities that the German shepherd breed is known for.
Despite the discouragement from some, Renner ignored the calls to put Higgins down and continued sharing his photos on social media, hoping that the right person would eventually come along. Her persistence paid off, but it wasn’t an easy journey.
A Rough Start for Higgins
Higgins’ road to the shelter began with a difficult past. Originally adopted as a puppy, his first home turned out to be far from loving. He was neglected and mistreated by his owners, who left him chained outside for most of his life.
“We heard he was nothing more than a dog chained up to a dog house,” Renner shared with The Dodo. “About a year later, someone walked in with a stray dog — and it was him.”
Higgins had managed to escape his neglectful situation, but sadly, no one came looking for him. He returned to the shelter, and it seemed like he had been forgotten.
“Nobody ever came looking for him,” Renner added, “nobody ever cared.”
Higgins had to adjust to life in the shelter, and while he was safe and well-cared for, it wasn’t the same as having a home. Shelter volunteers noticed that Higgins preferred solitude, often staying away from the other dogs. This behavior was likely a result of his early isolation and mistreatment. Unfortunately, his reserved nature and worried expression didn’t help his chances of getting adopted.
A Long Wait for a Forever Home
For years, Renner continued to wait for the right person to come along for Higgins. However, the adorable German shepherd was repeatedly passed over by potential adopters, mostly due to his age. Renner explained that most people coming to the shelter were looking for younger dogs or puppies, and as Higgins aged, his chances of finding a home seemed to dwindle.
“People are looking for puppies or dogs that are six months old,” Renner explained. “When he came back, he was a year old, and then two, and then three.”
Higgins’ long stay at the shelter raised suspicions among potential adopters. They assumed there must be something wrong with him if he hadn’t been adopted after all those years. His worried face and somewhat intimidating appearance in his kennel didn’t help matters, as people often passed by without giving him a chance.
A Life-Changing Moment: Higgins Meets His Human
After a staggering 2,381 days in the shelter—equivalent to almost seven years—Higgins’ life changed when a 22-year-old man named Brendon Reed saw his picture on social media. For Reed, it was love at first sight.
“He was just a beautiful dog,” Reed told The Dodo. “He just seemed so cute … I don’t know how he didn’t get adopted.”
Reed, who had recently purchased his first home, was looking for a canine companion, and something about Higgins’ photo tugged at his heart. He immediately made the decision to drive to the shelter and meet Higgins in person.
The connection between the two was instant, and Reed knew that Higgins was meant to be his dog. When he told the shelter staff that he wanted to adopt the senior German shepherd, Renner was in disbelief. After so many years of waiting, Higgins had finally found his human.
A Happy Ending for Higgins
Once Reed took Higgins home, the senior dog’s life transformed. No longer confined to a shelter, Higgins finally experienced what it was like to live in a real home with someone who loved him. Reed went above and beyond to make Higgins comfortable, even purchasing a soft, cozy couch where the dog could lounge and watch TV.
Reed also enjoyed watching Higgins play in the backyard, where he ran freely and rolled in the grass, a far cry from the days when he was chained up in his first home. The German shepherd’s days of uncertainty and loneliness were finally behind him.
The bond between Reed and Higgins grew stronger every day. “He is just so happy; it’s kind of crazy,” Reed shared. “He just likes to chillax.”
Higgins, who had once been overlooked and forgotten, now had a life filled with love and care. The senior German shepherd returned that love in kind, proving that older dogs still have so much to offer when given the chance.
The Joys of Adopting an Older Dog
Higgins’ story highlights the often-overlooked joys of adopting senior dogs. While puppies may be full of energy, older dogs like Higgins tend to be more laid-back and content with simpler pleasures. They’re perfect companions for people who may not have the time or energy to keep up with a young, high-energy pet. Senior dogs are typically happy to curl up on the couch and enjoy a calm, peaceful life.
However, adopting an older dog comes with its own set of responsibilities. As dogs age, they may require more frequent vet visits to monitor their health, as well as specialized diets to address their changing nutritional needs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), older dogs like Higgins may benefit from anti-aging nutrients and supplements, and regular exercise remains important for maintaining mobility and overall health.
For those willing to take on the extra care required for a senior pet, the rewards can be immense. The love and gratitude shown by older dogs who find their forever homes is unmatched, as they often have a deeper appreciation for the kindness they receive.
Final Thoughts on Higgins’ Journey to His Forever Home
Higgins’ story is a powerful reminder that every dog, regardless of age, deserves a second chance at happiness. After spending 2,381 days in a shelter, this senior German shepherd finally found his perfect match in Brendon Reed, a young man who saw past Higgins’ age and fell in love with his heart.
The Humane Society staff, particularly Leslie Renner, never gave up on Higgins, and their perseverance paid off. Today, Higgins is living his best life in a loving home, proving that older dogs can make just as wonderful pets as younger ones.
For anyone considering adopting a dog, don’t overlook the seniors. They have so much love to give, and they’re often the ones who need it the most.