Nobody expects to hear strange noises coming from outside while they are working. We all just want to go to work, have a nice quiet time, and complete our tasks. For one janitor, he got a lot more than he bargained for when he arrived at work one day. As he set about cleaning the building, he could not help but wonder at some of the sounds he was hearing. It sounded like something needed his help, but he was not sure what. When he finally went to investigate, the sight that greeted him was a sad but sweet one at the same time.
Meet Snowflake
Snowflake was just a wee puppy when his owner realized that he would be unable to care for him. He was black and white, with an adorable little face, and big eyes that seemed to be full of love.
His owner decided that he would place this little guy in a cardboard box near the school where this janitor worked, and hopefully, a kindhearted person would find Snowflake and take him in. He wrote a note on the box explaining the situation.
Just A Regular Night
The janitor who would find sweet little Snowflake was often scheduled to work at night. This was a quiet time when all of the students were tucked into bed, and all he had to do was polish the floors and get the school squeaky clean for the following day.
The janitor was often alone at night, as the day janitors had already come and gone. Normally, he would turn his music on and slowly clean his way down all of the hallways and eventually watch the sun come up. This shift would be unlike all the others though. He kept hearing what sounded like whimpers coming from outside.
Time To Investigate
Getting his job done was the most important thing for this janitor. He prided himself on his ability to methodically clean the entire school until it was spotless. Even though he was hearing these odd sounds, he did not take the time to investigate.
He figured he was alone, and until he had finished mopping the last hallway, he would not stop to see what was going on. Eventually, though, the whimpers got louder and started to turn to growls. He could no longer ignore the fact that some sort of animal was in distress outside of the school’s doors.
Opening The Doors
As he came to the end of the hallway and gave it one final scrub he decided it was time to go outside. The sounds were a little bit scary, but this was inner-city Detroit, it was not like a bear could be waiting for him in the parking lot.
The janitor stored his mop and bucket in the utility closet, and slowly made his way to the doors that led outside. He paused just before opening them, and listened once more. It was definitely an animal on the other side, he just hoped it was a friendly one.
All Alone
Taking a deep breath, the janitor slowly opened the door, and peeked through. The sight that greeted him was one he will never forget. There on the steps, sitting in a box, was the tiniest puppy he had ever seen. Little Snowflake was sitting up, and staring at the janitor.
He kept letting out little cries, as he had been abandoned by his owner. All he needed was some love, and a warm house to be taken to. The janitor approached Snowflake’s box and stared down at him. What was he going to do with a little puppy like Snowflake?
Nothing To Be Scared Of
Snowflake had been making a lot of noise because he needed someone to know that he was outside the school. His owner had assumed someone would find him in the morning, which meant that Snowflake had to spend a long cold night all alone.
For a little puppy this was absolutely terrifying. Snowflake had begun to growl because he was scared and needed help. The janitor was the one that answered his call for help.
The Middle Of Winter
If this story had taken place at the height of summer, Snowflake’s plight would not have been so bad. Instead, Snowflake, as his name might have suggested, was born in the middle of winter.
His owner probably thought that he would make a good Christmas gift, but looking after a puppy is a lot of work. Snowflake had been left out in the cold, with a giant snow storm happening. He needed to stay warm, but was having a lot of trouble fighting off the cold.
Getting Out Of The Cold
As soon as the janitor saw Snowflake in his box, surrounded by snow, and the freezing wind blowing around them, he grabbed the box and brought Snowflake inside. When the school doors slammed shut behind Snowflake, and he was finally greeted with some warmth he stopped shivering and whimpering.
The janitor stared down at this little guy, and could not help but feel a bit of love for him. He had found him right in the nick of time.
The Owner’s Message
There was a message that came with Snowflake explaining his situation. It seems like the owners could not take Snowflake in. It was a bit unclear if Snowflake was their puppy or if they had found him.
In any case, they could not take him in, and because it was so cold, they hoped that this kind janitor would find him and do the right thing. Of course, he took Snowflake out of the cold,. No puppy should have to try and survive outside at that age.
A New Home
While the janitor contemplated what to do with Snowflake, he knew ultimately that he would be unable to keep him. He had two children at home that he had to care for, and one was a baby.
Adding a puppy to the mix would be simply too hard for he and his wife to deal with. There was one person he could think of who loved dogs though, and he decided she would be his first call. He just hoped she would say yes.
The Teacher
There was a well-known teacher at the school who absolutely adored dogs. If there was a dog in need she would be the one to call. The janitor scrolled through his phone until he found her number, and then pressed call.
As soon as the teacher heard about Snowflake, she told him she would get in her car and meet the little guy. She would know how to handle the situation, and hopefully maybe even adopt him.
Their First Meeting
As soon as the teacher laid eyes on Snowflake, she knew he was a special little guy. How could he not be? After all he had survived, and gotten the janitor’s attention. Sadly, she knew that she would not be able to adopt Snowflake as she already owned five dogs.
The expense of adding a puppy to the mix would be a bit too much for her budget. She would need to think outside of the box for what to do with Snowflake.
A Foster Home
After making a few phone calls, the teacher was able to locate a foster home for Snowflake. He was very young and definitely needed someone to look after him and provide him with some much-needed care.
Once he had been looked after, fed, and loved, he would be ready for adoption. With such a cute little face, the teacher was positive someone would come along who would adopt him, and give him all the love he needs.
The Animal Rescue
The place the teacher had phoned to see if they could help was called the Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue. They would often take in strays, and puppies who had been found on the streets, just like Snowflake.
Snowflake did not have a name when he was found though, and that is how he ended up being called Snowflake. After being found on a blustery snowy day, the name just seemed to fit this little guy.
Being Looked After
As soon as the teacher arrived with Snowflake in tow, the dog rescue team got to work. Snowflake needed to be checked out by a vet, and given all of the vaccinations that puppies need.
The rescue team assured the teacher that they would do everything that Snowflake needed to ensure that he got the best start to life possible. Snowflake was now in the very capable hands of this rescue team, and they would make sure he got everything he needed.
Social Media
As Snowflake had been found by some people, the rescue team actually hoped that Snowflake had somehow gotten loose from his real owners. They took some cute pictures of him, and began posting them on their social media pages. The hope was that his owners would turn up and take him home.
That would be much easier than trying to find him a new adoptive family. Now, it was a waiting game to see if anyone would come forward.
His First Christmas
Everyone waited to see if Snowflake’s real family would come forward, but sadly nobody did right away. As it was the holiday season, it was decided that Snowflake would be placed in a foster home where he would be able to spend Christmas in a warm house full of good smells, and lots of holiday cheer.
He looks like he is right at home next to a stuffed animal that looks remarkably like him.
Growing Up
As Snowflake got accustomed to being around other dogs, and socialized with humans he began to be more comfortable at the shelter. He could often be seen trying to get the older dogs to play with him, and he seemed to be very happy with his new life off the streets.
All of the staff loved how playful he was. Snowflake was always ready to get everyone to toss a ball, or zip around the hallways when he was let out of his pen.
Finally Safe
Now, that Snowflake is staying with his foster family and spending time at the dog shelter he does not need to worry about being left out in the cold. He is surrounded by toys, people who love him, and has a nice warm dog bed.
As he gets a bit older, and the holiday season winds down, potential adoptive parents will be able to come and meet him. Once they see how happy he is, they will definitely want to adopt him.
Take Me Home
Every picture of Snowflake is beyond cute. He has those big soulful puppy eyes that seem to be begging you to play with him or adopt him. As he is such a good-natured puppy everyone is positive that he will be adopted soon.
He even enjoys being dressed up in holiday-themed clothing to show off how fashion-forward he is. This puppy is very stylish, so we hope that his new owner continues to dress him up.
Keeping Dogs Safe
While the janitor and the teacher did a lot to make sure that Snowflake was safe, the Detroit shelter that took him in are the ones who are continuing this process. Snowflake will live with them until he is ready to be adopted.
They are pretty amazing for taking in all of these dogs and making sure that they are kept off the streets and adopted into loving families. A lot of the dogs that come into the shelter have had a hard past.
Pit Bulls
Most of the dogs that enter their shelter have been taken off the streets, or from street fighting rings. The shelter’s aim is to rehabilitate the dogs who have been used to fight if they are able to.
All dogs deserve a second chance at a good life, and it is the staffs’ hope that most of these dogs get to experience a loving home environment. Little Snowflake, is just one of their latest finds, and he is sure to go to a good home.
The End
The last we heard, little Snowflake was still up for adoption. If you find yourself living in the Michigan state area you may just want to head over to this shelter to see if he’s still available.
Puppies take a lot of work, but if you feel like you are ready for the responsibility of owning a dog, then consider adopting one from a local shelter near you. Little Snowflake, and other puppies like him will thank you!