Clarence – The Abandoned Golden Retriever Whose Hug Broke Everyone’s Heart
Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Sadly, not every Golden is guaranteed a forever home.
In Georgia, animal control received reports of three dogs wandering dangerously in a Walmart parking lot. When rescuers arrived, they found a Chihuahua, a German Shepherd, and a Golden Retriever. The Chihuahua escaped, but the two larger dogs were safely brought back to the shelter.
Through a microchip scan, the Golden was identified as Clarence, a 4-year-old dog. But the heartbreaking truth came when his owner was contacted—and coldly refused to take him back. It was clear Clarence had been deliberately abandoned.
In many U.S. shelters, unadopted dogs face euthanasia after a set period due to limited space and resources. Perhaps sensing his grim fate, Clarence reacted in a way that moved everyone to tears. When volunteers from the local nonprofit PetSmart arrived, Clarence walked straight up to them and wrapped his front legs around them—as if pleading: “Please don’t leave me behind again.”
The moment was so powerful that the volunteers could hardly hold back their tears. They gently reassured him: “Don’t be afraid, we’re here to save you.”
Just a few days later, Clarence was transported from Georgia to New Jersey, where he quickly adjusted to his new foster home. He proved to be kind, gentle, and friendly with all the other animals—showing everyone that he deserved love all along.
Clarence’s story touched thousands of hearts worldwide, reminding us that compassion and kindness can give abandoned souls like him a second chance at life.