Dog Abandoned in a Park Now Living 'Best Life' Pampered by Senior Citizens

A New Jersey animal shelter has delighted the internet by revealing how one abandoned dog is now living his best life with his forever family, and he's even picked up a day job visiting senior citizens to keep them company.

Back in January 2024, Paulie the pit bull was found in Weequahic Park in Newark by local police, who took him to a nearby shelter. The 4-year-old dog spent a couple of weeks there before being transported to the Associated Humane Societies' Popcorn Park Shelter in Forked River, New Jersey.

Sandra Hickman, who works at the shelter, told Newsweek that Weequahic Park "has become known as a place where unwanted pets are abandoned," and Paulie was sadly the latest on that list. But the shelter was delighted that it didn't break his spirit, and he immediately started making friends with all the staff.

Hickman said: "Paulie was comfortable with everyone he met, and was gentle, friendly, happy to be looked after. He wasn't loud or anxious in the kennel, and just seemed happy to be warm and safe."

Paulie spent around six weeks in the shelter and received plenty of attention, which Hickman suggests was due to his "easy-going temperament." On March 8, the day finally came when he met his forever family and got to leave the shelter for good, and needless to say, he's having the best time in his loving home.

This is a familiar tale for many shelters across the country, as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 6.3 million companion animals wind up in shelters every year. While around 4.1 million animals do get adopted each year, there are still millions more who are kept waiting.

'People Love Seeing Happy Endings'

There was an instant connection between Paulie and his new owner, and since joining their family he is said to be "doing fantastic" already.

"He settled in very quickly and it's as if he has been with this family his whole life. He gets along with everyone, from infants to the elderly, and everyone that meets him just loves him. Paulie and his family are a perfect match," Hickman continued.

Staff at the shelter are so delighted for him and they couldn't wait to share his story on their Facebook page. On April 10, they explained in a post that Paulie got his revenge on whoever abandoned him in a park in January, because he's now "living the absolute best life ever." The post included an update from his adopter, who added that they work with senior citizens and Paulie loves going to help out too.

The post reads: "When I tell you, he puts a smile on their face for the four hours that I'm there. I don't know who loves it more, them or him."

The Facebook post has delighted many people, already gaining more than 2,000 reactions and over 170 comments so far. While shelters are full of animals in need of a home, Hickman told Newsweek that people "love seeing happy endings" like Paulie's to know that a shelter isn't the end of the road. In this case, it was merely a stepping stone before reaching where he needed to be.

"The general response on social media is that people wish they saw more of these happy outcomes for shelter pets, where a once abandoned, unwanted pit bull is now living a wonderful, carefree life with a loving family," Hickman told Newsweek.

Plenty of Facebook users were quick to comment on the post to share their gratitude and joy that Paulie found his forever home. One comment reads: "It is so nice to see that he found a great family to love. I love good news!"

Another person wrote: "So happy for Paulie and his new family."

While another commenter responded: "Awww so glad he found an amazing furever home!"

Do you have an amazing rescue story that you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.