When Cupid’s family packed their belongings, loaded their car, and drove away, the loyal dog had no idea why he wasn’t invited to join them. Confused and heartbroken, Cupid stayed behind, waiting on the porch of his now-empty home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, hoping his family would return.
Neighbors noticed the devoted dog sleeping on the porch for weeks and reached out to Janine Guido, founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, for help. “All I was told was that his owners moved out and left him behind,” Guido shared with The Dodo. “I asked around, and everyone just said, ‘They moved out.’”
When Guido arrived, she found Cupid scavenging for food in a dumpster. But as soon as she tried to approach him, the frightened dog ran back to the porch—his safe space. He frantically jumped up, scratching at the door, as if begging to be let inside.
“That small act broke my heart,” Guido recalled.
Winning Cupid’s Trust
Guido tried to coax Cupid with food, but the nervous dog bolted. After 30 minutes of patiently chasing him through alleyways, Guido finally figured out how to earn his trust. She spoke to him softly, reassuring him that everything would be okay.
“It sounds dumb, but I swear he knew what I was saying to him,” Guido said. “He literally came over, sat down, and allowed me to leash him.”
During the ride back to the rescue, Guido continued to comfort Cupid, explaining what was happening and assuring him he was safe.
A New Beginning at Speranza Animal Rescue
Since arriving at the rescue, Cupid has been adjusting to his new surroundings. “He has been nothing but the sweetest gentleman since coming to the rescue,” Guido said. “You can tell he’s still really confused, but he is happy to meet everyone with a wagging tail.”
Cupid is now undergoing veterinary checkups and will soon be ready to find his forever home. Guido is optimistic about his future, saying, “I don’t think it will be hard to find him a home because he truly is the sweetest guy.”
How You Can Help
Cupid’s story is a testament to the unwavering loyalty of dogs and the importance of responsible pet ownership. If you’re interested in giving Cupid the loving home he deserves, you can fill out an adoption form on Speranza Animal Rescue’s website.
By sharing Cupid’s story, we can raise awareness about the countless animals abandoned every year and encourage more people to adopt, not shop. Let’s help Cupid find the perfect family he’s been waiting for!
Let’s give Cupid the happy ending he deserves! 
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