This holiday season, one shelter volunteer decided to give a very special dog the gift of something simple — and life-changing.
A night at home.
Orson, a giant shepherd mix with soulful eyes and an 82-pound frame, has been waiting at Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption (CARA) since early 2024.
But his story stretches back even further.
“We originally rescued him from the local shelter about six years ago,” said Estrella Ruiz, CARA’s shelter manager. “He was adopted quickly, but after about four years in that home, he was returned to us.”
The reason?
Orson and the family’s other dog struggled over toys and treats. Instead of working through the tension, the family decided it was easier to bring Orson back.
“They just didn’t want to manage the situation anymore,” Ruiz said quietly. “It’s almost been two years.”
Two years of kennel walls.
Two years of echoing barks.
Two years of waiting.
So when a volunteer invited Orson to spend the night at her house as an early Christmas surprise, he stepped into her car without knowing his world was about to change — if only for a moment.
And he was perfect.
The 7-year-old gentleman didn’t bark.
He didn’t whine.
He didn’t beg for food or get into mischief.
There were no accidents. No chewed pillows. No chaos.
Instead, there was gratitude.
So much so that his host made a spontaneous decision — she invited him into her bed.
For the first time in years, Orson rested his big head on a real pillow, stretched out across soft blankets and slept soundly through the night.
No concrete floor.
No kennel bars.
No fluorescent lights.
Just quiet. Warmth. Safety.
“He just seemed to appreciate resting and getting away from the stressful environment,” Ruiz said.
Life in a shelter can be overwhelming — especially for a dog who once knew the comfort of a home. And yet, despite everything, Orson hasn’t grown bitter.
At adoption events, he lights up. He soaks up belly rubs from strangers. He greets people with calm, respectful affection.
“He is gentle,” Ruiz said. “He doesn’t jump on people. He’s very respectful of your space. He’s not pushy, but he’s really affectionate.”
Despite the past scuffles in his former home, Orson does well with other dogs at the shelter. On his overnight visit, he even bonded sweetly with his host’s pup.
“I saw them licking each other’s snouts,” the volunteer shared.
His favorite game? Fetch.
His biggest weakness? Treats.
His biggest wish? A place to belong.
Ruiz believes Orson’s perfect home is out there — one that understands how to thoughtfully manage toys and treats and give him the structure he needs to thrive.
As his two-year anniversary back at CARA approaches, the staff can’t help but hope that the next bed he sleeps in won’t be borrowed.
“We just want him to live out the rest of his life somewhere safe,” Ruiz said. “He is so amazing.”
For one night, Orson remembered what home feels like.
Now he’s just waiting for it to be forever.
To adopt Orson, contact CARA through his adoption page. If you can't adopt, consider sponsoring him.
UPDATE: Orson has been adopted!
