At the Bullock County Humane Society, a lovable dog named Speck has captured the hearts of many by simply reaching out for a touch of human connection. His story is a testament to the deep longing that shelter animals feel for love and companionship.
The Desire for Connection
Life in a kennel is far from ideal for any animal. The lack of playtime and limited human interaction can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being. That’s why shelters strive to find forever homes for these pets as quickly as possible, ensuring they receive the love and attention they deserve. But some pets, like Speck, take matters into their own paws, doing whatever they can to catch the attention of potential adopters.
Speck, a two-year-old dog surrendered to the shelter by his previous owner, has become a viral sensation for his endearing habit of holding hands with anyone who passes by his kennel. Desiray Miracle-Wilder, the director of the Bullock County Humane Society, shared that Speck has been at the shelter since the fall of 2018, over a year and a half.
Every time a human walks by, this adorable dog stretches out his paw, offering a warm greeting despite being separated by metal bars. “Speck LOVES human interaction! He can’t get enough love from anyone willing to stop and take his paw or rub his belly,” Desiray said. “He knows just how to tug at your heartstrings. He pushes his muzzle through the bars, looking out with his puppy-dog eyes and reaching for you to hold his hand. Speck’s love language is definitely physical touch.”
A Viral Sensation and a New Beginning
Speck’s friendly nature and yearning for human connection became evident when a video of him holding hands with visitors went viral. “I was overwhelmed with friend requests and messages on social media from people wanting to adopt Speck. Even those who couldn’t adopt sent gifts like dog food, collars, and even a water hose for the shelter,” Desiray shared. The video’s success quickly led to Speck finding the perfect home.
Speck’s story took a joyful turn when he was adopted by a loving family in upstate New York, where he will live on a 26-acre farm with his new human dad, Mike. “With our very limited resources, I wasn’t sure how to get Speck all the way to New York on my own. That’s when a wonderful rescue group, Allie’s Hope for Paws in Alabama, stepped in to help. They are currently organizing his transport to NY while he is in a wonderful foster home,” Desiray explained.
The Importance of Support
The Bullock County Humane Society, located in Union Springs, Alabama, hopes to help many other adorable pets like Speck. However, like any small nonprofit shelter, they rely on donations to continue rescuing and caring for animals. “Without help from our community and donations, we couldn’t stay in operation. We currently have dogs that have been in the shelter for over two years who still need a Furever home,” said the shelter’s director.
If you’re interested in lending a helping hand to this shelter, please reach out to them on the Bullock County Humane Society Facebook page. Your support can make all the difference in giving these animals the loving homes they deserve.
