Shelter dogs, especially those who spend a long time waiting, have one wish only – to find a forever home.

That was exactly what this sweet shelter dog named Lancer wanted. After spending seven months at the City of Mobile Animal Service in Alabama, he never lost hope. Instead, he took matters into his own paws.

Lancer was such a sweet pup, but sadly, no one seemed to notice him. During his seven-month stay at the shelter without a single meet-and-greet request, Lancer decided to take action and finally catch someone’s attention.

The clever dog began reaching his paw out to everyone who passed by his kennel. Mary Kate Hale, digital media manager for City of Mobile Animal Services shared in an interview:

“Whenever someone would walk past his kennel, he would stick out his paw in an attempt for someone to hold it.”

Lancer desperately hoped someone would stop and fall in love with him. He had a lovely personality and just wanted to be loved.

Sadly, he was often overlooked, and no one could understand why. Mary Kate added:

“Lancer is known for his sweet nature and love of peanut butter. After a round of zoomies, he can be found napping in a shaded spot with his legs sprawled out like a frog’s.”

Fortunately, Lancer’s heartbreaking situation took an unexpected turn when a passing volunteer took a picture of him while reaching his paw out from the shelter kennel.

After seven long months of nothing, Lancer caught everyone’s attention in just 24 hours, thanks to a Facebook post.

Among those who noticed him was someone very special. Mary Kate revealed:

“Within 24 hours of being posted on Facebook, Lancer caught the attention of his future dad, Nick.”

He felt compelled to give this adorable pup a new chance at life. After their first meet-and-greet, Nick was thrilled.

He realized that Lancer was truly a sweet dog who just wanted to be loved, and they turned out to be a perfect match.

Nick officially adopted Lancer, and now the adorable duo is living their best life together. After spending 7 months in the shelter, Lancer finally has everything he ever wanted.

Now, he doesn’t have to reach out his paw, because his loving human will always be there to hold it.