Maverick, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, was devastated when his family that he’d been with for years, left him at the Carson Animal Shelter in Garden, California. He didn’t understand what he did wrong, he just knew that he had been in a loving home and now he was suddenly in a cage without any explanation.

He was so heartbroken that he refused to make eye contact with anyone he was around. He was deeply depressed and shelter workers didn’t know what to do to make him feel better. Then one day a miracle happened.

A family came to the shelter looking to adopt a dog. They saw Maverick and knew that he was the one. They understood all that he had been through and wanted to give him the forever home that he deserved. They wanted him to be happy again.

In Maverick’s freedom video below, you will see when his new family comes to pick him up. He is led outside of his kennel and his tail is almost tucked between his legs. The poor guy thinks he’s done something wrong and is so scared.

His new family puts a pretty collar on him and a red leash and gives him some reassuring pats as they lead him out of the shelter and towards his new life. He walks through the parking lot and you can tell the further away from the shelter he gets, his hope increases.

He lifts his head and his steps get a little quicker. Finally they make it to the car and lift him up into a comfy back seat where he settles in for the ride to his new home. Maverick is finally going home to a home filled with the love that he deserves.

Check out the heartwarming video below and be sure to share it with your family and friends. His smile at the end says it all!