Pongo, the Forgotten Shelter Dog Who Knows How to Say Thank You

A Day Out of the Cage

Every week, volunteer Danielle Baughman takes Pongo out of his cage, bringing him to parks, on walks, or swimming. Each outing is an explosion of energy and joy for him. "He has so much energy," says Danielle. "If he stays locked up too long, he just builds it up until he bursts." While Pongo enjoys playing with other dogs at the shelter, nothing compares to these special days when he feels truly free.

On a recent trip to the pool, something touching happened, captured in a TikTok video (@all_deez_animals). After hours of fun, Pongo gently approached Danielle in the car, looked into her eyes, and softly licked her cheek—a simple but deeply meaningful gesture. "He always says thank you for our adventures," she smiles.

A Dog Nobody Wants

Many people have passed by Pongo’s cage. Some notice him, some stop to look, but no one chooses him. "He jumps around excitedly whenever he sees someone," Danielle explains, "but it's only because of his excitement and hope. Unfortunately, people misunderstand his behavior and get scared."

Yet Pongo has so many great qualities: he loves running, playing, and being with other dogs. He responds well to commands, making him ideal for adventurous individuals. But as time passes, he remains at the shelter, waiting for a home that seems increasingly unlikely.

‍

A Broken Soul Full of Hope

Pongo's past has been difficult. Initially destined for a search-and-rescue dog training program, he was eventually rejected after months of waiting. Nights at the shelter are tough for him; he hates being alone and has even tried escaping in search of companionship. Because of this, a special cage had to be built for him.

Yet Danielle does not give up. She continues to take him out, providing him with moments of normality. Meanwhile, she holds onto hope—that someone will look beyond his initial excitement, past his exuberant jumps, and see what Pongo truly has to offer: unconditional love.