Family Adopts Two Dogs After Saying They Wouldn’t Take Any Home

Starr and Nova: An Unplanned Visit That Changed Everything

Sometimes the best moments in life happen when we least expect them. For Gabby, 26, and her father, Chuck, 61, a simple trip to Animal Friends of the Valley shelter in Wildomar, California, turned into a life-changing day. They hadn’t planned to adopt; their goal was just to look around and prepare for a possible adoption in the future. But fate had other ideas.

When they arrived, the shelter was filled with dogs of all ages waiting for homes. Gabby wandered toward the back kennels and discovered two large dogs believed to be sisters. They had been surrendered together and didn’t even have names yet, but their personalities instantly stood out. In that moment, Gabby felt an undeniable spark.

As Chuck approached, one of the sisters—later named Nova—jumped up at the glass door with unmistakable excitement, as if she already knew she belonged with them. That was all it took. Instead of leaving empty-handed, Gabby and Chuck adopted both sisters that very day. They rushed out to buy supplies, then returned to collect Starr and Nova, each weighing about 50 pounds, ready to begin their new lives.

At home, the transition was smoother than expected. The sisters quickly settled into family life, enjoying tug-of-war matches, chasing toys, and even watching TV together. Though they still need to learn not to greet visitors with overly enthusiastic jumps, their joy has made every challenge worth it.

Gabby later shared their story in a TikTok video that touched thousands. The caption hinted at how deeply the sisters bonded with Chuck right away, clinging to him as if afraid of being left again. The video drew overwhelming praise, with many viewers applauding the family for keeping the dogs together and giving them both a safe, loving home.

Gabby hopes their story encourages others to adopt, especially from crowded shelters where dogs like Starr and Nova may not get many chances. She also reminds people to consider adopting bonded pairs, since separating them can be devastating.

Thanks to one spontaneous visit, two dogs who might have been overlooked instead gained a forever home. For Starr and Nova, what was never meant to be adoption day became the day their family finally found them.

Click the video below to watch the full story:

@gabbygee4Felt like she was saying “please don’t leave” we had to get some supplies first and prepare the house, then we came back in a few hours to bring them both home ❤️

♬ original sound – ʚĭɞ

This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.