Petey was adopted after months of being bounced around between shelters. In his new home, he can’t even hide his happiness at being loved when he sleeps.

Petey’s smile is contagious.

Some came, others went. But there was always a white dog, with a black spot on his left eye, who remained at the shelter. And with him, his cheerful and fun personality, always ready for any adventure.

Petey arrived at the Wake County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in the city of Raleigh, capital of North Carolina (USA), on October 13, 2022. However, that was not the day his journey through the shelters began.

After several months in another shelter, where he was the dog who stayed the longest, meeting several potential owners, but no one special enough to take him in, he was transferred to the one in Wake County, where he was adopted four weeks later.

Despite having to endure several tough rejections, four-year-old Petey has always been a happy, loving dog: “From the moment he arrived, Petey has always been a happy, loving dog. When he came in here, he came with his tail wagging, eager to meet his new friends. And despite the circumstances, his smile never faded,” Wake County SPCA chief tells PiT.

Petey’s life changed the day Kayla Walker and her partner walked into the adoption center where he was staying on November 10. “A couple saw his picture on our website and fell in love with his adorable face. They came to meet him and knew right away he was the one. They took him home that same day.”

Even when he sleeps, Petey never stops smiling.

That day, a new side of Petey was born. The dog was already described as happy, but since he arrived at the family’s home, he has not been able to keep the smile off his face: “It’s true, Petey is a very smiley boy. But now that you are in the comfort of your own home, we imagine that smiles must be even bigger than before, and they are not going anywhere,” highlights the association.

This can be seen through the photographs taken by the owner. Whether playing, walking or even sleeping, Petey is always smiling. And, despite knowing that dogs cannot smile consciously, owners want to believe that this is a demonstration of happiness on the part of the animal.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet my canine “grandson” and let me tell you, he is one of the happiest and friendliest dogs I’ve ever met. He is getting a lot of pampering, just as he deserves. His brother, Adikus [the couple’s other dog], loves being around him,” Kayla’s mother described about Petey.

Petey found a happy ending after several months of searching for it. And the way he looks at you is with a brave smile, loved by everyone around him.

Click through the gallery to see some photos of Petey in his new home.

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“After more than 250 days apart, Buri the dog made an unexpected return home, filling her family with overwhelming joy. Her loving embraces and endearing habit of falling asleep on her owner’s back have melted hearts across the online community.”