You should never judge a dog by his coat — and Sonny is living proof of that.

When Sonny was picked up as a stray by the Jackson County Animal Shelter (JCAS) in Michigan in late March 2023, it was clear he had been through more than his share of hardship. His body showed signs of neglect — clipped ears, overgrown nails, a patchy coat — and his spirit seemed just as broken.

“He looked like he was about to give up,” said Lydia Sattler, Jackson County’s animal services director. “You could see it in his eyes. He looked shattered.”

Sonny also tested positive for heartworm, adding to the long road of healing ahead. But despite everything he’d endured, Sonny showed no bitterness. Instead, he was full of love.

The team at JCAS wasted no time starting his treatment. Day by day, Sonny’s physical wounds began to heal — and so did his heart.

“You could literally see the life come back into his eyes,” Sattler said.

As Sonny grew stronger, his true personality began to shine. Whenever someone knelt down to greet him, Sonny would gently press his head into their chest, refusing to let go — as if trying to say “thank you” the only way he knew how.

“He just wants to hug everyone,” Sattler said. “He melts right into you. It’s like he’s trying to get as close as possible.”

It didn’t matter who it was — Sonny had endless affection to give. Only he knew the full extent of his past, but he made it clear he was grateful for every bit of love he received now.

“With daily care and someone to love him, he’s gotten so much better,” Sattler said. “You can just feel how thankful he is.”

Now, Sonny is ready to find his forever family. But sadly, potential adopters often overlook him because of his rough appearance.

The shelter staff knows that with time, Sonny’s outer appearance will catch up to the beauty of his soul. His coat will regrow, he’ll gain healthy weight — and even though his ears will always be a little different, to them, he’s already perfect.

“He might not look like much right now, but that’s just the outside,” Sattler said. “The inside is pure love.”

Thanks to a generous Good Samaritan, Sonny’s adoption fee has already been paid, and the shelter has committed to covering the full cost of his heartworm treatment once he’s adopted. All that’s missing now is the right person to bring him home.

For now, Sonny’s rescuers are savoring every hug he gives — and rooting for the day when Sonny finds someone with a heart as gentle as his own.

“To meet Sonny is to love him,” Sattler said. “The love he has to share, even after all he’s been through, is just incredible. He’s truly one of a kind.”

If you’re interested in adopting Sonny, you can contact Jackson County Animal Shelter here.
To support other dogs like Sonny, consider making a donation to Jackson County Animal Shelter here.