One morning, the officers at DeKalb County Animal Services in Georgia were greeted with a heartbreaking sight.
A tiny, emaciated Pitbull puppy had been abandoned right in front of their shelter—in nothing more than a cardboard box that once held plums.
Terrified and confused, the puppy refused to leave the safety of the box, even after the shelter staff brought him inside.
Abandoned and Heartbroken
The staff decided to name the scared pup Plum, after the box he clung to so desperately.
“Plum was so scared and sad because his family had heartlessly abandoned him,” Karen from LifeLine Animal Project told The Dodo.
The team tried everything to comfort him, setting up a cozy crate with a fluffy bed and treats, and leaving the door open in hopes that Plum would venture out.
But he refused to leave the box that had become his only sense of security.
A Slow Transformation
It took weeks for Plum to feel safe enough to come out of his box, but slowly, with patience and kindness, he began to bond with a few of the shelter employees.
“When Plum arrived, he couldn’t leave the safety of his box. Now, he’s made so much progress, and we love watching his personality blossom,” LifeLine Animal Project shared in a Facebook post.
As Plum started exploring the shelter, his sweet and cuddly nature began to shine.
The once-sad pup even revealed a playful, goofy side that delighted everyone.
Finding His Forever Family
After weeks of care and encouragement, the shelter knew Plum was ready for his happily ever after.
They shared his story online, hoping to find the perfect family for him.
It didn’t take long—just a month later, a woman named Melonie from Atlanta, Georgia, saw Plum and immediately fell in love.
“For me, it was love at first sight. He had this old soul about him that just drew me in,” Melonie shared with The Dodo.
A New Life Filled with Love
When Plum was first adopted, he was still a scrawny puppy.
But with Melonie’s care, he gained nearly 20 pounds and transformed into a healthy, happy dog.
Plum quickly bonded with his new furry siblings—a couple of cats and another dog—and they became inseparable playmates.
According to Melonie, Plum is the sweetest pup but also has a silly side. “He loves rolling around in the grass, lying upside down, and just being goofy,” she said.
One of Plum’s quirkiest traits is his love for sleep. “He can fall asleep anywhere, even in the most uncomfortable-looking positions or furniture, and he snores so loudly,” Melonie laughed.
From Fear to Joy
Plum’s journey from an abandoned, frightened puppy to a cherished family member is nothing short of heartwarming.
Despite his rough start, he’s now living his best life surrounded by love.
Those who want to follow Plum’s adventures can find him on Instagram at @plumpelstiltskin_.
Plum’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and second chances. From the shelter staff to Melonie, everyone who helped Plum along the way proved that love can truly change lives.