By Alice GibbsShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberElderly Cane Corso mix Piper is spending Thanksgiving somewhere she never expected—a warm home of her own.
The senior dog was brought to the Bergen County Animal Shelter earlier this year after she was found wandering the streets of Englewood, New Jersey, vomiting up trash.
Veterinarians discovered staples in her stomach, and staff said the masses and calluses covering her body suggested she had likely spent years living on concrete and trash on the streets.
Despite the trauma she endured, shelter staff said Piper remained gentle and hopeful. They described her as “relaxed, tolerant, easy to please, outgoing,” and noted that she loved food—“and even likes to share.”
But for months, no one came for her.
That changed when Ingrid Santucci saw Piper’s story. Santucci is the manager of the local hospital's emergency services department. She told Daily Voice that she had recently lost her Great Dane, said she wasn’t ready to adopt again. She even visited the shelter and met another Great Dane, but it was too soon.
Still, when she heard about Piper, she couldn’t get the senior dog out of her mind. She returned to meet her—and instantly felt the connection she didn’t expect.
Now, just ahead of Thanksgiving, Piper has said a fond goodbye to the shelter staff that have cared for her so well and is finally in a foster home.
Instead of eating scraps off the street or surviving on hard concrete, she’s getting real meals, soft bedding and lots of love. After years of uncertainty, the elderly dog will enjoy her first holiday season as a beloved family member.
In the first half of 2025, U.S. shelters took in about 1.41 million dogs, according to Shelter Animals Count. Despite a slight decline in intake compared to 2024, shelters remain overcrowded, with more dogs entering than leaving.
Dog adoptions have remained essentially flat, representing 56 percent of total dog intakes, leaving many—especially large and adult dogs, who are adopted at much lower rates—waiting far longer for homes.
The shelter shared the good news on Facebook, where commenters quickly celebrated Piper’s second chance.
“Finally! She deserves this. We’re all rooting for Piper,” wrote Stephanie Allerton Fox.
“So happy that Piper has a soft warm spot to lay this holiday season and forever,” added Tracey Sloane.
“I’m so happy for Piper,” said Alice Dowson.
Newsweek reached out to Bergen County Animal Shelter via email for comment.
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