After more than a year-long stint at an animal shelter, a lucky Labrador mix named Zeke has finally struck gold with a forever home. Zeke spent 13 months overlooked, despite his friendly and playful personality, until a couple seeking a pet for their young son walked in and chose him, according to a heartwarming account by SPCA Animal Rescue.

Zeke's stretch in the shelter system clearly illustrates just how difficult it is for some dogs to quickly find a place to call home. Even for a pup described by KENS 5 as someone who "would love to cuddle up with you on a cold winter day," this friendly canine was close to being put down due to space issues at his first shelter. 

Previously landing on a euthanasia list, Zeke's journey included two failed adoptions, the latter returning him beaten and battered to Hill Country SPCA. Kaitlyn Blumrich, Operations Manager at Hill Country SPCA, shared the gruesome details with KENS 5, saying "Zeke came back with chunks of skin missing, and wounds all over his poor body." Yet, he managed to heal, both physically and emotionally, under the care of the shelter staff.

It was a happy twist of fate when Zeke's new family walked in and saw in him the perfect addition to their pack. His story not only tugs at the heartstrings but also serves as a poignant plea to potential pet owners to consider adopting instead of shopping. Every shelter animal adopted makes room for another in need. And as Zeke's saga shows, sometimes all a dog needs is that one opportunity to become the perfect companion.