The moment Stanford, an adult pit bull mix, stepped through the doors of Rockdale County Animal Shelter, he sensed he didn’t belong. This loyal dog yearned for the warmth and love of a real home, but his reality was starkly different.

“He was abandoned at a local park, left with no food or water,” shared Humans and Animals United (HAAU) on Facebook. “A kind-hearted family discovered him and brought him to the shelter, but Stanford’s heart still longs for the comfort of a true home.”

Stanford fell in love with the family who’d found him, just as they had with him. The family returned to the shelter soon after, hoping to take Stanford home. They filled out an application, kissed Stanford goodbye and reassured him that he’d be leaving with them soon.

When they returned a few days later, Stanford stood on his hind legs and leaned against his kennel door. He peered longingly through the kennel bars, begging them to take him home once and for all.

Unfortunately, the family returned with sad news. Their rental property didn’t allow dogs, and Stanford, as cute as he was, was no exception. The family couldn’t take him home after all.

Stanford was heartbroken.

“They had to see Stanford one last time and explain why they couldn’t bring him home,” HAAU wrote. “Their last goodbye was painful …”

Stanford watched them leave one last time and lost all hope that he’d ever get to experience life with a family. Then, the folks at HAAU heard about him. Heartbroken for the boy, the team worked tirelessly to raise funds and find him a foster home.

Thanks to their efforts, HAAU volunteers were able to pick Stanford up from the shelter a few days later. The sweet boy couldn’t contain his excitement as he left his kennel for the last time.

“Our boy left the shelter today in the happiest of spirits!” HAAU wrote. “He knew this was the start to his new life! There are no words to describe it!”

You can watch Stanford’s reaction to leaving the shelter here:

Stanford’s tail wagged excitedly as they drove to a nearby veterinary clinic, where he received a complete checkup to clear him for foster care. After getting a clean bill of health, Stanford headed off to his new foster home, where he’s been ever since.

While the sweet boy is still looking for a forever family, he is thriving in his foster home. Stanford now spends his days cuddled up on a warm, fluffy bed and adventuring alongside his new favorite humans.

You can see Stanford cuddled up in his foster home here:

Stanford’s love has finally been reciprocated for the first time, and he couldn’t be happier.

“My [first] sleep with my foster mommy was peaceful,” HAAU wrote in a Facebook update from Stanford’s perspective. “[She] reassured me that I am here until my forever home is found.”