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Charlie finds his forever home after two years at Spotsylvania shelter

Posted at 7:34 PM, Dec 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-01 19:34:16-05

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. -- Most animal shelters in Central Virginia see more pets abandoned around the holidays, but happily, it was a different story for one dog in Spotsylvania.

He was finally adopted Tuesday after spending two years at the local shelter.

Workers at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter said they were upset by recent stories of dogs being dumped at shelters in the middle of the night.  CBS 6 brought you one Monday about three dogs dumped over a six-foot fence at the Colonial Heights Animal Shelter and abandoned.

Those devoted workers said every dog can find a home, and point to Charlie as proof. His new owner drove all the way from Pennsylvania to get him Tuesday.

Charlie the dog gets a cake

Charlie has done his time at the shelter, after arriving as a stray two years ago.  He may be an older dog, but he’s full of life and was ready for his big day. In fact, he even wore a festive red bow.

As the anticipation grew around noon Tuesday, there were plenty of tears and hugs and excitement: Charlie was going to a loving home, right after he took a bath in the little tub he loves to splash around in.

"It's finally happening, and especially when you get so attached to dogs, it's just huge,” said Ashley Hamilton, wiping away tears.  She has helped take care of Charlie at the shelter. “Sorry, it's just really exciting.”

Goodbye Charlie

Charlie made lots of friends at the Spotsylvania shelter, but the new owner of the bull terrier mix -- who was coming from Pennsylvania -- couldn't get there soon enough, especially after so much time "behind bars."

Jason Davis arrived, just a few minutes late.  He grew up in nearby Stafford County and knew several shelter employees.  Though he now lives in West Virginia, they contacted him saying the perfect dog was waiting for him.

And once his joyful introduction to Charlie was made, the dozens of smiles visible outside the shelter doors, got even wider.  "It was love at first sight,” Davis said.  “He'll be spoiled rotten. He'll get to see the country.  He'll be in the ocean tomorrow."

charlie 1

Davis is on the road a lot, delivering boats for a living.  He says it was important his new travel companion come pre-approved.  “That's one of the reasons I did take him because I knew how much he was loved here," he said.

And before he left, Davis made a point to say before you look to a breeder, check the shelters.  There are still plenty of dogs there.

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