Top 10 Happy Tails of 2022: Meet Pappi!

As 2022 comes to a close, we're taking a look back at all of the lives that we’ve saved thanks to your support. Today begins our Top 10 Happy Tails of 2022 — each story is remarkable in their own way and are examples of the heart of our Muddy Paws Pack community. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we’ve loved all of these special pups.

Today’s Happy Tails story belongs to Pappi! It started with love-at-first-sight, a few fancy cars, and then - despite some initial turmoil - the fairy tale ending we were all hoping for.

This stout, handsome, blocky-headed pup came to us from Animal Care Centers of New York City in January, and at an estimated 10-years-old, we expected him to be with us for a while. Our Director of Programs Amanda has a big soft spot for senior pitties, so even the fact that he needed dental work and a mass biopsy didn’t deter her from taking Pappi into our care.

Pappi was a crowd favorite at adoption events, but he didn’t find his person until May at the New York Auto Show, where we brought him along as one of our adoptable pups in partnership with Subaru.

Chris and his girlfriend were in search of their perfect pup. For Pappi and Chris, it was love at first sight, but… not so much for his girlfriend. She was a first time dog owner and was still getting on board with the idea of a forever furry friend as big as Pappi was.

After an initial meeting filled with ample kisses and treats, Chris and his girlfriend left the show to think about their big decision. When they came back hours later, it was clear they couldn’t shake away the idea of Pappi’s sweet eyes and even sweeter demeanor. Even the girlfriend was walking the pup herself, giving him treats and cuddling him close. It was clear that Pappi was truly special. They decided to sign the papers and begin the Trial Adoption period. Before they left the Auto Show, Chris told our adoption representative through teary eyes, “I think I’ve already decided!”

Here is where the story gets interesting. A few days into the Trial Adoption, Chris told his adoption buddy that he was, in the most cliche and best way, utterly head over heels for Pappi. Unfortunately, his girlfriend was not. Because of this, Chris wasn’t sure he’d be able to give Pappi the forever home everyone was crossing their fingers for. Trial Adoptions exist for a reason. We always hope for the best, but understand that sometimes not every match is perfect and made-to-be. But that's the thing, Pappi and Chris were the perfect match, and their love stood the test of time.

A few days later, Chris told his adoption buddy that true love prevailed, and that the love of his life was in fact Pappi and not his now ex-girlfriend! We couldn’t believe our eyes - that Chris had chosen to keep Pappi and end his relationship. Thus begins Pappi and Chris’ epic love story and adventure.

These days, Pappi and Chris are living as any soulmates would. “Pappi is the first dog I have ever adopted and his age did not matter to me; we just simply connected instantly, and, around family and friends, he connects with everyone to be honest,” said Chris.”He is a sweet, gentle, and tender loving dog with a knack to sniff anything and everything in sight.”

“He is my world and I love him so much.” What else could we possibly ask for in a ‘happily ever after’?