For seven months, Lancer stayed at City of Mobile Animal Services without a single meet and greet request. He was the sweetest dog, who just wanted love, and yet no one seemed to notice him — so Lancer tried taking matters into his own paws.

“Whenever someone would walk past his kennel, he would stick out his paw in an attempt for someone to hold it,” Mary Kate Hale, digital media manager for City of Mobile Animal Services.

Every time someone walked by, he would press his small body tightly against the front of his kennel, desperately squishing himself as close as possible in a silent plea for connection. With gentle persistence, he would stretch his paw through the cold metal bars, reaching out to anyone who might stop—even for a moment.

 

 

His eyes, filled with longing, searched each face for a sign of kindness, hoping someone would see the love he had to give. All he wanted was a chance—to be seen, to be touched, to be loved. Day after day, he waited with unwavering hope, and yet, no one could understand why such a sweet soul had been overlooked for so long.

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

One day, Lancer tried out his signature move on a passing volunteer, and they couldn’t help but stop to take a picture of how adorable he looked. They posted the picture and a sweet blurb about Lancer on social media — and immediately, the world fell in love.

“It took less than 24 hours after Lancer’s story was shared on Facebook for him to capture the heart of someone special,” Hale explained. “Among the many who saw his post, one man in particular—Nick—felt an instant connection. Without hesitation, he knew he had to be the one to give Lancer the loving home he deserved.”

Nick could immediately see how sweet Lancer was and how he just wanted love — and Nick decided he was the perfect person to give him that.

 

 

Today, Lancer is not just surviving—he’s thriving in the comfort and safety of his forever home. Surrounded by love, he’s finally living the life every dog deserves. And now, whenever he reaches out his paw—a habit he never gave up—his dad is always there to gently take it in his hand. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of the bond they share, built on trust, healing, and a promise that Lancer will never be alone again.