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By Rachael O'Connor
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An 8-month-old puppy taken into a shelter covered in bites and scars is desperate to find his forever home after going through "unimaginable pain."
Kirby arrived at the Main Line Animal Rescue after being rescued by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA), and at his young age has so far known nothing but cruelty, followed by life in a shelter.
Staff member Kim Cary told Newsweek the pit bull terrier cross pup "arrived in our care bearing the scars of unimaginable pain.
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"He had painful bite wounds to his neck, jaw and head, inflicted by a dog attack," Cary said, adding that "despite his ordeal, Kirby's little spirit remains unbroken. He is extremely friendly and loving, and quite well-mannered for a little puppy."
Kirby is one of roughly 6.3 million animals who arrive at U.S. animal shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of those, around 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. While the figures appear enormous, they are much decreased from 2011, when about 7.2 million animals entered U.S. shelters.
A post from the Main Line Animal Rescue to Facebook broke hearts across the United States, with hundreds of people reacting to Kirby's story.
The rescue wrote: "Kirby always looks so confused when we put him back each night. At just 8 months old, we wonder if he thinks this shelter is all life has to offer."
They added in the post that they were fighting to find the puppy "a loving family who will cherish him forever," describing him as "the sweetest puppy who just wants to climb into your lap for affection."
Adding that he would best thrive in a home "with a calmer dog" as he can "get overwhelmed" by energetic dogs, they pleaded with Kirby to "hang in there. We're committed to finding you the perfect home and a wonderful life.
"It will happen buddy, we promise."
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Users were moved by Kirby's story, with one writing: "Aww Kirby, hang on...someone seeing this is falling in love with you right now and you will rescue their heart."
Another, writing on Instagram, said: "What a sweetheart! I hope you find your perfect forever home soon sweet Kirby."
Cary told to Newsweek: "You can tell in his eyes he wants a forever home so very much."
Loving the time he spends with shelter staff and volunteers, and "overjoyed" at meeting new people, Cary said he is "so deserving of finding his happily ever after and a wonderful family to call his own.
"We hope someone sees his story and comes to meet him and makes his dreams come true."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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