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Riggs had one simple dream: to belong to a family that would love him unconditionally. For years, he waited for that dream to come true. But instead of love, life handed him one heartbreak after another. After being abandoned not once, but three times, Riggs began to give up.
At seven years old, the weariness showed on his face. Curled up on the floor of his kennel, he seemed to have lost all hope that his story would end any differently. He had started to believe the shelter would be his forever home.
A Visit That Changed Everything
One Saturday evening, April, a kindhearted woman from Goodyear, Arizona, felt a strong pull to visit a local shelter. Although she had no plans to adopt another pet—her home was already full with three cats and a dog—something told her to go.
The following day, April walked through the doors of the shelter, not knowing her life was about to change. The first dog she saw was Riggs. He was lying still in his kennel, a picture of defeat. His sadness was overwhelming.
“When I first saw him I got down on my knees crying because I had never seen a dog look so sad. It broke my heart and I instantly felt a connection with him,” April told Newsweek.
In that moment, April knew she couldn’t leave without him.
A Long Road to Love
Riggs had first come to Maricopa County Animal Control West in Phoenix back in 2019 after being found wandering the streets. He had a microchip, and staff were able to contact his owner—but heartbreakingly, the owner refused to take him back.
From there, Riggs waited. He was adopted three separate times, but each time, he was returned to the shelter. No one ever gave him the chance to stay.
That changed the day April arrived. She completed the adoption process and introduced Riggs to her family. Luckily, she was able to take him home right away. And from the moment Riggs realized he wasn’t going back to the kennel, his entire demeanor transformed.
His tail began to wag, his eyes brightened, and for the first time in a long time, he smiled.
A New Beginning
Riggs settled into his new life with ease. Surrounded by a family who adored him, he quickly became a cherished part of the household. April was baffled that such a loving dog had ever been returned.
“He is a good boy, and I cannot figure out why someone would abandon him. He is so good with our kids (although we remain cautious, of course), our other dog adores him, and he is so happy and relaxed now,” she said.
Today, Riggs is finally living the life he always dreamed of. He spends his days soaking up affection, cuddling with his people, and enjoying the comfort of a true home. His heart, once broken, is full again.
