A couple’s determination to adopt a shelter dog was weeks in the making, but now, after nearly a month together, the staff realized it was the perfect “happily ever after.”

From the moment Gina and Amy first saw Boomer’s adoption picture, they knew he belonged with them. Newsweek previously reported that Boomer came to the Humane Society of Richland County in March 2024. For over a year, he waited for his perfect match, which needed a few restrictions.

The couple thought this “poor boy is not going to stand a chance,” they told Newsweek. That is because the animal shelter thought he’d do best in a home with only female dogs. He also takes longer to warm up to men. Gina and Amy figured he’d be perfect in their home. They have two adult sons, but they don’t live in their home. But because they lived out of state, the humane society remained hesitant in case it didn’t work out.

Gina said she was persistent, sending them emails explaining their female-only household and that Amy used to train service dogs. When they agreed on a meet-and-greet, the couple drove seven hours each way. Luckily, it went “exceptionally well” with them and their female dogs. They returned the next weekend, spending more time with Boomer before finally bringing him home on September 14. He spent exactly 549 days at the shelter.

Photo of a rescue dog sprawled out on his couch at his forever home after living in the shelter for 549 days. | Boomer the Goodest Boy – Adventures from HOME/Facebook

While Boomer received his happy ending, dogs are spending more time in shelters than before, especially large canines, an article from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stated.

The transition was seamless. However, since he has never had a home, the couple laughs that he doesn’t understand that he cannot walk from the couch onto the side table. Otherwise, they said, “he came in like he owned the place.”

“It seems like he has been here forever,” they said. “It’s been a perfect fit for everyone involved.”

Their French bulldog instantly took to Boomer. The two are inseparable, they said, which works out because their older dog doesn’t have to deal with the chaotic energy. The intro with their cats also went well.

“He has met one of our sons and went much better than we anticipated,” they said. “He was a little growly and grumbling, but was amazing with him once he sat down.”

Gina and Amy have since started a Facebook page for Boomer, updating his 3,700 followers on his new life. A September 29 post showed how naptime looks outside of the shelter. A long walk outside left him exhausted, and what better way to relax than on a couch, spread out with no concern of taking up the entire space.

This photo touched the humane society, and they shared the post to their Facebook page with the caption: “When you think about what heaven looks like for a dog who stayed in a shelter for almost two years, THIS is it. Oh, Boomer. We don’t think it’s possible to love your happily ever after more than we already do.”

Other users fell in love with Boomer, and the Facebook post reached over 936 likes, 247 shares and 61 comments as of Monday.

“Liv’n the dream! It’s a good day when you wear out the dogs,” wrote one person, while another added: “OMG, now that’s a content puppy!!! Boomer, you have struck the jackpot….sorry you had to wait for your ‘people’ for so long.”

Someone else joked: “Looks like one of the moms is crowding his nap spot. His poor little feets are hanging off the edge — how unfair.”