Adopting a pet has the amazing power to make everyone’s life happier, including the new pet parents, those who get to see the lovely furry pals, and the creatures themselves. And in Waterford, Michigan, a touching picture of Dan Tillery and his recently adopted dog, Diggy, went viral very fast, drawing thousands of people in with their contagious smiles. But in the midst of all the good vibes, some people couldn’t help but meddle in other people’s problems, which resulted in an unexpected run-in with the law.
These inquisitive people, unable to keep their mouths shut, claimed that Diggy was a pit bull terrier, in violation of Dan’s neighborhood’s dangerous dog rule. There was still one more obstacle to clear for Diggy, even after he made it from the streets of Detroit to the Detroit Dog Rescue, where he spent 100 days under the loving care of Sir Wiggleton.
After years of renting an apartment that did not allow dogs, Dan and his girlfriend had recently bought a new home. The pair was ecstatic to have a furry friend in their house at last. But only because of Diggy’s presence did their enthusiasm turn to shock when the cops showed up at their house.
However, Diggy, being the adorable and well-mannered dog that he is, understood just how to handle the circumstance. He kissed them warmly to greet the police, making a good first impression. Even after Dan showed them the adoption documents that identified Diggy as an American bulldog, the cops were not persuaded. They responded by ticketing Dan and giving him just three days to move Diggy, with the possibility of a heavy $500 fine and possibly even jail time. But Dan’s neighborhood was not going to tolerate this injustice.
More than 10,000 people signed an internet petition pleading with authorities to let Diggy stay with Dan in an incredible show of support. In addition, Tillery gathered an assortment of documents from the shelter, the City of Detroit Animal Control and Welfare, and his reliable veterinarian, all of which attested to Diggy’s American bulldog breed. When the case eventually made it to court after several months of legal proceedings, the judge quickly dropped the charges against Dan and Diggy. Overjoyed by the verdict, Dan hurried to Facebook to spread the news, exclaiming, “We get to keep our child. He’s a decent young man.”
This touching tale of pet adoption shows the strength of compassion and solidarity. Diggy found his ultimate home thanks to Dan’s relentless commitment and the steadfast support of his community. It is a potent reminder that needless bureaucracy should never weaken or sour the love and bond between a pet and its human companion. Justice was done in the end, and everyone who sees Diggy is made to smile contagiously.
