10/16/2026
Would you adopt this dog based on his intake photo? Believe it or not, that's him smiling 😅
Take a good look at that first picture. Now take a look at the other photos. Same dog. Same smile. Very different picture. And that's something we wish more people understood about shelter animals.
This is Wire 🐾 He was found by one of our veterinary staff members, and that photo was taken when he first came into our care.
When most dogs first arrive here, they're often scared, confused, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of what's happening. They're surrounded by unfamiliar sounds, smells, people, and other animals.
And even after they've had time to settle in, a kennel isn't exactly the best place to show someone what kind of companion they could be.
Some dogs bark at everyone who walks by, then turn into complete cuddle bugs the moment you take them outside. Others hide in the back of their kennel and come alive once they feel comfortable.
Sometimes, a dog just has a funny little smile that doesn't photograph particularly well 😂 The dog you see behind kennel bars isn't always the dog you'll get to know outside of them. Wire is a pretty good reminder of that.
He's got those big floppy ears, a face that's impossible not to love, and a smile that makes a whole lot more sense once you get to know him.
So the next time you visit a shelter, don't be too quick to judge a dog by what you see through the kennel door.
Ask to meet them. Take them outside. Give them a few minutes to show you who they are. You might find that the dog you almost walked past is exactly the one you came looking for. 🩵🐾
And if Wire's little smile has already won you over, come meet him!
📍 SPCA Albrecht Center — 199 Willow Run Rd, Aiken
🕒 Adoption hours: 11am–4:30pm (Wed & Sat until 6pm)
