Dog Found Tied to a Pole Finds Perfect Forever Family

A pit bull mix named 23rd & Handsome, who was once abandoned and tied to a pole outside the Stray Rescue of St. Louis, has finally found his forever home.

Discovered on July 27 by the shelter’s manager, the two-year-old pup was described as “dirty” and “a little scared.” The shelter staff named him 23rd & Handsome, a unique moniker inspired by the location where he was found—on the corner of 23rd and Pine Street.

Initially timid and with visible signs of neglect, including a protruding spine and the need for weight gain, Handsome quickly adapted to the love and care provided by the shelter team. Natalie Thomson, the shelter’s marketing director, shared that Handsome’s demeanor changed once he realized he was in a safe environment. “Once he knew we were the good guys and we were going to take good care of him, he opened up, and his personality blossomed,” she said.

Despite the pooch’s infectious smile and love for park outings and car rides, he faced challenges in finding a forever home. Thomson explained, “Big two-year-olds have a lot of energy and need a family who will play with them and provide structure and training. So he waited and waited until the perfect family came to meet him.”

The wait, however, proved worthwhile. The Stray Rescue of St. Louis recently shared an uplifting update on their Facebook page, revealing that Handsome had finally been adopted by a loving family. The post featured a heartwarming image of Handsome with his new family, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with love and care for the resilient pit bull mix.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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