In the heart of Miami Dade Animal Services (MDAS), Samantha, a 4-year-old mix breed dog with bully ancestry, languished for over a year, feeling like just another shelter dog longing for a family due to her soulful face.

As time passed, Samantha, affectionately known as Sammy, continued to be overlooked, and her spirits dwindled. However, Humans and Animals United (HAAU), a rescue organization committed to finding homes for animals, decided to take a chance on her.

Rosa Fond, the founder of HAAU, was deeply moved by Sammy’s shelter photos, expressing, “We were deeply moved by those photos. So we made the decision to bring her into our care and then figure out the steps.”

When an HAAU volunteer picked up Sammy, they witnessed her broken-hearted demeanor in person, mirroring the sadness captured in her shelter pictures. Yet, something remarkable occurred within minutes of being in the car—Sammy’s expression transformed into a smile.

“That’s when Samantha began to open up,” explained Fond.

Placed with a foster family, Sammy received attention and participated in training sessions, gradually improving her life. However, finding a forever family still posed challenges. In August, a loving couple came across Sammy’s story of resilience and instantly became enamored with the adorable pup.

Eager to meet the dog whose expression transformed from a frown to a smile, the couple knew it was a match when they laid eyes on Sammy in person. HAAU shared on Facebook, “This family went above and beyond to ensure that Sammy had everything she needed to thrive! The love exhibited by this family towards Samantha and our rescue will always hold a place in our hearts.”

After enduring a challenging journey, Samantha finally found herself in the home she had always yearned for. When not playing with her toys or enjoying the comfort of her beds, Sammy can be found snuggled up with her human companions.

Strolls around the neighborhood, relaxing afternoon naps by the poolside, and playful wrestling sessions with her canine siblings now define Samantha’s new life, a stark contrast from her time at the shelter.

Today, Sammy’s traumatic memories of being ignored in her kennel are gradually fading away. Once broken-hearted, all she feels now is an abundance of love.

According to HAAU, Samantha’s happiness speaks volumes without any need for clarification. “Her smile speaks volumes!”