Samantha, a 4-year-old bully mix, spent over a year waiting in a kennel at Miami Dade Animal Services (MDAS), her soulful eyes quietly pleading for someone to notice her.
Day after day, she was overlooked — and the longer she waited, the more withdrawn and heartbroken she became.
But everything changed the day Humans and Animals United (HAAU), a foster-based rescue, saw her picture.
“Those photos broke us,” said Rosa Fond, HAAU’s founder. “We decided to pick her up — we’d figure out the rest later.”
When a volunteer arrived to bring Sammy into their care, the dog looked just as hopeless in person as she did in the shelter photos. But something remarkable happened during the car ride to freedom.
Within minutes, Sammy’s downturned expression began to soften. For the first time in ages, she smiled.
“That’s when Samantha started opening up,” Fond said.
Sammy received much-needed veterinary care and was placed in a foster home. With a safe place to rest and humans who believed in her, her true personality began to shine.
She even completed advanced training to help prepare for adoption. But despite her progress, Sammy still hadn’t found her forever family.
Then, in August, a couple stumbled upon her story — and they were instantly captivated by the dog who’d overcome so much.
They arranged to meet Sammy, and when they did, it was love at first sight.
“This family went above and beyond to make sure Sammy had everything she needed to flourish,” HAAU wrote in a Facebook post. “The love they’ve shown her — and us — is something we’ll always treasure.”
Now settled into her new home, Samantha is almost unrecognizable from the sad pup she once was.
Her days are filled with long walks, poolside naps, playtime with her dog siblings, and endless snuggles with her people.
The trauma of shelter life is slowly becoming a distant memory. In its place is joy — pure, unmistakable joy.
Her smile, once a rarity, is now a permanent fixture.
“She’s never been happier,” HAAU wrote. “Her smile says it all.”
You can help more dogs like Samantha get a second chance by donating to Humans and Animals United here.
