All they dream of is a family to call their own 🐾❤️

As families across the country prepare for Thanksgiving — tables full of food, laughter echoing through homes — a few dogs at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society are still waiting. For them, the holiday will be spent behind kennel doors, dreaming of the day someone finally chooses them.

Last year, the shelter staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make the season feel special for the dogs who had no families of their own. On Thanksgiving morning, each pup was served a homemade feast: pumpkin purée, green beans, plain potatoes, carrots, rich gravy, and even a dollop of whipped cream. One staff member even stayed awake all night to roast two full turkeys — not for people, but for the dogs who had only each other, and the kindness of strangers, to celebrate with.

“It was such a beautiful thing,” said Julie Saraceno, a longtime volunteer dog walker. “For them, it wasn’t just about food — it was about love. You could see it in their eyes. They knew this was something special.”

And the effort mattered. Since that meal, many of the shelter’s dogs have found loving families and new beginnings. But for three pups — Finn, Papa, and Kylie — the wait goes on.

Finn, a sweet dog with allergies that require a special diet, has spent over a year watching other dogs leave for homes while he stays behind. Papa, equally loving and gentle, also waits, overlooked simply because he needs to be the only pet in a household. “Finn is so strong and full of love,” Saraceno shared. “He just needs someone who can handle his size. And Papa — he’s truly an amazing dog. They both are.”

Then there’s Kylie. For nearly four years, she’s lived inside the shelter. Recently, she thought her wait was finally over when she was adopted by a family. For a short time, she tasted freedom, joy, and belonging. But tragedy struck when Kylie tore her ACL. Faced with costly surgery and the challenge of living in a third-floor walk-up, her adopters brought her back to the shelter. Once again, her dream of forever love was taken away.

This Thanksgiving, the three dogs will likely enjoy another lovingly prepared feast at the shelter. But what they want most isn’t turkey or treats — it’s the warmth of a home, a couch to curl up on, and a person to love unconditionally.

For Saraceno and the shelter team, the thought of them enduring another holiday without families is heartbreaking.
“It’s always emotional,” she said quietly. “They’re such incredible dogs, and they deserve so much more than waiting year after year. I just want them to know what it feels like to be home.”

If adoption isn’t possible, even a foster home could change everything for these dogs. A short break from shelter life, even just for the holidays, could give them the comfort they’ve been waiting for.

Because at the end of the day, Finn, Papa, and Kylie aren’t asking for much. Not toys. Not fancy things. Just love, safety, and a place to belong.

This Thanksgiving, while we give thanks for what we have, maybe it’s also time to give them what they’ve been waiting for all along — a family. 🧡