For seven long months, Lancer sat in his kennel at City of Mobile Animal Services, waiting for someone to notice him. Not a single meet-and-greet request came his way. He was gentle, affectionate, and adored people — yet day after day, he was overlooked.
So Lancer came up with his own plan.
“Whenever someone would walk past his kennel, he would stick out his paw in an attempt for someone to hold it,” said Mary Kate Hale, digital media manager for the shelter.
Pressing his body against the front of the kennel, he’d slide his paw through the bars, silently asking for just a moment of connection. He didn’t understand why no one had chosen him yet — he just wanted to be loved.
Known for his playful “zoomies” and his love of peanut butter, Lancer could often be found sprawled out like a frog in the shade after a good romp. But inside the kennel, his quiet plea for attention never stopped.
Then one day, a volunteer noticed his sweet little gesture and snapped a photo. They posted it on social media, along with a heartfelt caption about Lancer’s loving personality. Within 24 hours, everything changed.
The post caught the eye of Nick, who instantly knew Lancer was special. “He could see how sweet Lancer was, and how much he just wanted love,” Hale said. Nick didn’t hesitate — he went to meet Lancer, and the connection was immediate.
Now, Lancer is living his best life in his forever home. And whenever he reaches out his paw, his dad is always right there to hold it.
