'He healed that little girl that felt abandoned': Orphan Leanne rescues abandoned German Shepherd, 'Papa', who kept waiting for his pawrents to come back, they mend each other's souls through love and heartbreak

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Sep 9, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

We've all experienced some form of abandonment in our lives before. It can be as simple as your friend bailing on your coffee date five minutes before you're supposed to arrive, to your dog getting up and moving the second you lie down next to them to cuddle. There are some, however, who experience abandonment on a level that we cannot even imagine, like being orphaned or abandoning a doggo to fend for themselves. These kinds of wounds don't heal with just a few kisses from your doggo or a "sorry" text from your friend.

But, we firmly believe that the universe puts things together that are meant to be together. That's why Papa and Leanne's story is so special - they were both abandoned by their parents, but they found each other and healed the broken parts in them through shared experience. Leanne was adopted when she was four, meaning that her early years were spent without parents. Papa kept waiting for his pawrents to come back for him, but the universe gifted him Leanne instead. Now they're snuggle buddies and building their own fluffy family together!

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  • 01
    Abandoned German shepherd keeps waiting for his owner to come back
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 02
    thedodo ✔ He'd been waiting in the same spot for months but the perfect person knew just how he felt and knew what to do
    via thedodo
  • 03
    but he would run away,
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 04
    PALM SPRIN Aerial I couldn't drive by him one more time Leanna
    via thedodo and barknwalk_

  • This is the exact reason why we can't go to adoption days or volunteer at dog shelters too often, because if we keep coming back, we're going to come home with another doggo eventually. It's inevitable. We have a weakness for doggos that need a home. 

  • 05
    Leanna (@barknwalk_) shared with us what it was like rescuing Papa and introducing him to her other dogs, and how healing the experience was for both her and him!
    via thedodo
  • 06
    So I stopped and I tried
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 07
    Hi, Papa.
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 08
    losingsleep_chasingdreams He was waiting for the right one to trust. 2,401 likes Reply
    via losingsleep_chasingdreams
  • 09
    When I brought him home, you could just see
    via thedodo and barknwalk_

  • Once you watch the video, you will see how he flattens his ears and wags his tail as she walks in. It's the cutest thing ever! You can just tell how happy and calm Papa is in his new home. Our doggo does the same thing when we come home from work. It makes us smile every time!

  • 10
    I knew I could make him feel loved again.
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 11
    steph_rocks This entire story, beginning to end.. sending so much love to both these@precious souls M
    via steph_rocks
  • 12
    to trust people moving forward.
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 13
    ms.djrem_aviation Ahhh, this made me cry. My dog was a GSD. They are a magical breed. God bless this precious human for saving this precious boy. He'll be the best, most loyal friend she'll ever have.♥
    via ms.djrem_aviation
  • 14
    And he gave it right back.
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 15
    kellie_wonch_ I'll never understand how someone could do this. Thank you for showing him the love and life he deserves
    via kellie_wonch_
  • 16
    He healed that little girl that felt abandoned.
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 17
    barknwalk Rescuing Papa was the best decision I ever made. Thank you so much @thedodo
    via barknwalk_
  • 18
    This is his forever home.
    via thedodo and barknwalk_
  • 19
    nataliafilpi Both of you are angels SO thankful that this sweet boy will be taken care now
    via nataliafilpi
  • 20
    tonichestnut May the universe bless you with love and happiness, forever.
    via tonichestnut
  • 21
    whyte.wolf I've watched Papa's story with @barknwalk from the beginning, and I sob happy tears every time I see a photo or video about how well Papa is doing! My heart dog, a GSD, passed May of 2024, so seeing other shepherd's "happy tails" makes me so emotional
    via whyte.wolf
  • 22
    via thedodo

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aww wholesome dogs orphan adorable german shepherd adoption heartwarming animal rescue cute animals cute animals Dog Rescue rescue
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