a 7-year-old Pit Bull, stole hearts when a video of her tearful face at Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (CMACC) went viral.
It wasn’t only her sad posture and expression but her visible tears that touched viewers. Sarah Sleime, a volunteer with the Greater Charlotte SPCA, noticed Cinnamon’s sorrow and felt compelled to share her story, sparking a wave of empathy and support.
A Painful Past
Before arriving at the shelter, Cinnamon endured a life of hardship. Used as a breeding dog, she was abandoned when she was no longer needed. Overweight and without her puppies, she faced the shelter alone. Sleime, heartbroken by Cinnamon’s sadness, shared on Facebook, “Someone dumped this poor mama here, minus her babies. Every time I stopped to talk to her, her eyes would fill with tears. Heartbreaking!”
Hope Finds Cinnamon
The video of Cinnamon’s “crying” touched thousands, including Meghan Shelton, a friend of Sleime’s with a love for Pit Bulls. Shelton shared, “When I saw her in that video, literally crying, I cried. My kids cried. My husband agreed to go meet her the next day.” The Sheltons visited, and love bloomed—Cinnamon, once sad and slumped, couldn’t stop wagging her tail.
A Joyful Birthday Celebration
Now in her new home, Cinnamon’s story reached a joyful milestone: her birthday. Surrounded by her loving family, she celebrated with wagging tails, happy barks, and treats. Her once-sorrowful eyes sparkled with joy, a heartwarming reminder of her journey from abandoned shelter dog to cherished family member.
Cinnamon’s transformation is a testament to love and compassion. Now, she enjoys the warmth of a home where she is truly celebrated. Her story is a reminder that every dog deserves happiness, no matter their past.
