When Bullet arrived at the Carson Animal Shelter in Los Angeles in mid-June, he didn’t come with many answers. His family surrendered him, but they left the explanation section blank.
“Usually owners leave a note explaining why they’re giving up their pet,” shelter volunteer Janallyn Vega told The Dodo. “In Bullet’s case, there was nothing. We truly don’t know why they no longer wanted him.”
As staff and volunteers spent time with Bullet, the mystery only deepened. He wasn’t shy, fearful or aggressive — in fact, he was just the opposite.
“Bullet is literally a baby in a dog’s body,” Vega said. “He’s incredibly affectionate and sweet. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with him.”
Eager to help him find a new family, the shelter brought Bullet to a busy adoption event. From the moment it began, he seemed to shine.
“He was a total hit,” Vega said. “Bullet is amazing with people and great with kids. So many families stopped to meet him, and he soaked up every bit of attention — something he doesn’t usually get in the shelter.”
One family came especially close to adopting him, but at the last moment, they changed their minds.
When the event wrapped up, volunteers were stunned. Every single dog had found a home — except Bullet.
“It just didn’t make sense,” Vega said. “He’s a dream dog. Maybe those just weren’t his people.”
As Bullet was loaded back into the transport vehicle to return to the shelter, his happy demeanor faded. He looked defeated, like he couldn’t understand why everyone else got chosen.
Vega couldn’t shake the image.
“I posted a video of him as we were packing up,” she said. “I had to help him find his people.”
Within an hour, the video went viral. People everywhere fell in love with Bullet, their hearts breaking for the gentle pup who’d been left behind.
And just like that, everything changed.
Within two days, Bullet found his forever home.
Now renamed Stitch, he’s thriving with his new family — and he even has a rescue pittie sister named Lilo. Stitch is finally where he belongs, surrounded by love, safety and companionship.
After being the only dog left behind, he’ll never have to feel unwanted again.
