Missouri Woman Asks Which Dog Has Been Waiting Longest And Meets One Rehomed Six Times
Theo had been bounced from home to home six different times. But when a Missouri woman asked the shelter to meet their longest resident, everything changed.
A Rough Start
Theo isn’t your average dog. With the face of a pit bull and a thick, fluffy coat, he looks like he’s wearing a teddy bear costume.
But behind his unique and adorable appearance was a dog who had faced far too much heartbreak and instability.
Theo was born by accident, and his original owner found herself in a position where she simply could not care for him. She decided to pass him on to a friend, hoping for the best.
Sadly, that arrangement didn’t work out, and Theo eventually found himself sitting in a shelter. His journey was far from over, as he was rehomed six different times without ever finding a permanent family.
Seeking The Longest Resident
When a woman named Joanna decided to visit the local shelter, she went with a very specific mission in mind.
She didn’t just want to look at the puppies or the highly adoptable dogs. She wanted to help the one who needed it the absolute most.
Joanna asked the shelter staff to show her the dog who had been waiting in his kennel the longest.
Without hesitation, the shelter workers led her straight to Theo.
Heartbreaking Sad Eyes
Meeting Theo for the first time was an incredibly emotional experience for Joanna.
He was so quiet, and she could see a profound, lingering sadness in his eyes. It was completely heartbreaking to witness a dog so shut down by his past.
Yet, despite his gentle sorrow and everything he had been through, he still had a sweet demeanor.
More than anything else, Theo just wanted to be petted and loved.
A Sudden Change Of Plans
Joanna had made a promise to herself before walking through the shelter doors that day.
She had planned to just look at the dogs, take some time, and think about it before making any kind of commitment.
But Theo’s gentle nature completely changed her timeline. He pulled so hard on her heartstrings that she knew she couldn’t leave him behind.
That very same day, she decided she had to take him home.
Pacing By The Window
The transition to a new environment wasn’t instantly easy for a dog who had experienced so much rejection.
During his first few days with Joanna, Theo was very unsettled. He spent a lot of time pacing back and forth.
He would stand anxiously by the door and stare out the window, unsure of his surroundings.
Having been returned six times before, he simply didn’t understand what was happening or if he was going to be sent away again.
The Teddy Bear Mutation
As Theo slowly settled in, Joanna learned more about the reason behind his striking and unusual looks.
His long, feathery fur is the result of a rare genetic mutation called FGF5. When both parents are carriers of the gene, it can cause this unique coat.
It’s a mutation very rarely seen in his breed, giving him a distinct pit bull face framed by long hair.
His fur flows beautifully in the wind and is incredibly soft to the touch, perfectly matching his gentle personality.
Learning To Feel Safe
Knowing his turbulent past, Joanna made sure to stay by his side as much as possible during those crucial first few months.
Slowly, Theo began to realize that he wasn’t going anywhere and that this home was forever.
Today, he feels completely safe with Joanna and has left his anxious pacing behaviors behind.
He even climbs up on her bed in the middle of the night, content just to sleep peacefully down by her feet.
A Beautiful Connection
Joanna is constantly amazed by how resilient Theo has been after enduring so much instability in his early life.
The two have formed an incredibly close bond, and she rarely goes anywhere without bringing him along.
Theo is always tuned into Joanna’s emotions, gently licking away her tears whenever she feels sad.
After being given away six times, Theo finally found the person who means the world to him—and he means the world to her.
