John Hwang, an animal lover and photographer, encountered a dog in a shelter who immediately captured his heart.
During one of his regular visits to the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter in Los Angeles, John met a gentle, 10-year-old dog. He frequently visits shelters to offer comfort and affection to animals in need, and this particular dog, curled up motionless in a corner, caught his attention. She appeared withdrawn and deeply saddened.
Speaking to The Dodo, John shared, “At first, I thought she was shy or simply too sad to interact with me. But then, to my surprise, she approached me as soon as she noticed me.”
When the dog got up, John noticed her trembling slightly, a mix of nervousness and hope.
“She seemed a bit awkward, but her movements were endearing,” John recalled. “Though her coat was dirty, her heart was full of love.”
The dog longed for love and affection. She started cautiously, sniffing John from a safe distance. However, it didn’t take long before she leaned her body against the fence, as if yearning for the warmth of a family. John responded by gently petting her, and together they shared a peaceful moment, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
“We could have easily stayed like that all day,” John said.
Though initially nervous, the dog quickly opened up, showering John with affection. Her transformation reminded him—and everyone who heard her story—not to judge a dog by its initial appearance or demeanor. Beneath her timid exterior was a heart full of love.
Soon, Annabelle’s story spread far and wide, thanks to the photos John shared on social media. Thousands of people were moved, many eager to help.
“A lot of people fell in love with this dog and were doing everything they could to get her out,” John explained.
Among those touched was Leashes of Love Rescue, an organization dedicated to saving dogs from high-risk shelters. Cathi Perez, a volunteer, wasted no time in picking up Annabelle once she was eligible for adoption. When Cathi arrived, Annabelle greeted her with tail wags and kisses, a far cry from the withdrawn dog John had first met.
“She was overjoyed to be out of her kennel,” Cathi recalled. “Even just going for a walk brought her so much happiness. The transformation was incredible—she was no longer the same dog.”
Annabelle was taken to a vet, where she received treatment for an eye infection and other health issues. In just a few days, she was set to begin the next chapter of her life with a woman who had already promised her a forever home. Annabelle’s journey, from a sad shelter dog to a beloved family member, is a testament to the power of love and second chances.
