See Cherry's new cherry life. Watch the video

When Paul and his fiancé Melissa saw Cherry the Vicktory dog on the National Geographic show “DogTown,” they fell head over heels in love. Of course they weren’t the only ones. When Paul would hop on the Best Friends website to follow Cherry’s progress journal each step of the way, he’d also notice the other eight zillion fans Cherry has out there. And even though he figured it was a long shot at best, he decided to fill out an adoption application. He told himself he at least had to try.

A good thing, too. Cherry has gone home!

Backing up a bit, Paul actually sent in his adoption application a full year before Cherry came home. These Vicktory dogs all have a long list of court-mandated requirements that must be met before they can ever be considered for adoption. And even then, it’s always a foster home first (for six months) and then a reevaluation for the final adoption. Not a simple road.

All along, Paul says that Best Friends’ adoption coordinator Kristi Littrell was great. During the past year, says Paul, "I think I bugged her more than I’ve bugged anybody in my whole life!" Hey, this is Cherry we’re talking about. He’s worth a little bugging over, don’t you think? Paul and Melissa certainly thought so, and so did Kristi. Together they kept working toward the goal, as did Cherry’s caregivers.

All in the family

After almost a full year of preparation, it was finally time for the big meet and greet. Paul and Melissa came with their pit mix Madison. Madison, a female they’ve had since a puppy, is a super confident and friendly dog. They all thought she would do great with Cherry, who has some issues with confidence (yet loves other dogs).

The plan was for Paul and Melissa to meet Cherry without Madison, and then go from that point. Only problem, Cherry decided to hide under the desk. Dogtown co-manager Michelle Besmehn tried to coax Cherry out, but it was no use. Finally, Michelle suggested that they might as well try to introduce Cherry and Madison, since he’s always done better with dogs than people anyway.

That’s when things really started to turn around. They went over to a neutral play area and the two dogs hit it off amazingly well. After letting the dogs play for a while, Michelle suggested they all go to a smaller space so there would be a better chance to get to know Cherry.

They went back to her office, this time with Madison in tow, and then flopped down on the floor for five hours! Paul and Melissa sat very quietly, and Madison lay down for a nap in between them. After observing the situation from every possible angle, Cherry also parked it right next to Madison. He allowed Paul and Melissa to pet him and the connection began.

Cherry and Madison = Love

They spent the next two days with him and took him on two sleepovers. With every day, Cherry’s confidence grew, as did his trust in Melissa and Paul. As for Melissa and Paul, they were more in love than ever. Because of their early flight schedule, however, they couldn’t bring Cherry on a sleepover for their last night in town.

That final evening, Paul and Melissa looked at each other and realized something was missing. Their family wasn’t complete any more. They knew Cherry belonged with them. It would be a long week and a half before Cherry could come live with them, and Paul describes that as the "longest stretch" in the entire year. But oh, was it worth the wait! Cherry is now living the life he’s always deserved. He has two people who adore him to pieces and a dog friend he can play with day in and day out. Madison has taken on sort of a mother role with him, teaching him confidence and teaching him to trust. Within short weeks, Cherry has made miles of progress.

The sunny side of life

"He learns a new confidence every day," says Paul.

And with that confidence, they’ve been able to see a whole new side to Cherry. A side most people don’t get to see. Cherry gets to romp through the woods with Madison. He gets to go hiking and conquer high peaks. And, best of all, he has developed his very own ”Cherry dance.”

Here’s how the Cherry dance goes. First, he stops all movement whatsoever. You might imagine he hears something in the distance, but no, he’s just gathering his artistic energy, honing it into a ball of creativity that explodes after thirty seconds of utter stillness. First he starts to stomp his feet up and down rapidly, then he performs several impressive sideways hops, and finally he tosses his head and ears around in reckless abandon. After a minute or so, he freezes again to let the focus build once more. …

The dance makes Paul and Melissa laugh every time. But, more than that, it shows he is feeling at home, which is worth every single hoop they had to jump through along the way.

Story by David Dickson
Photos by Sarah Ause and courtesy of Paul and Melissa

Learn more about Cherry in his “DogTown” progress journal. And you can help be a part of that progress as he adjusts to his new home through sponsorship.

November 19, 2009 : 2:33 PM ET
posted by: spcak

I just found out that Cherry's family adopted Cherry's sister "Madison" from our shelter here in Charleston, South Carolina. We know our Alumni are all awesome animals but this story truly made me realize just why we do what we do to relieve suffering and the plight of animals everyday. Five years ago we were dealing with one of the biggest Dog Fighting breeders in the southeast, David Tant (now serving time in state prison) and the outcome was not nearly as wonderful as with the Michael Vick dogs. Thanks so much for making this family a reality! I am overjoyed!

November 1, 2009 : 3:30 PM ET
posted by: Rita2828

I cried so so many tears after watching you on Dog Town the way you stayed close to the ground so scared to walk just broke my heart. Now i have tears of joy live the life you always deserved to live, God bless your new family for adopting you i would have loved to have you.

CHERRY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH !!!!!!!!

Rita from Brooklyn

October 31, 2009 : 3:43 AM ET
posted by: DonnaDeka

So, when do we get to see the video of that cute little dance?!! Nothing would boost his confidence more than to make the top of the hits list on YouTube!

Cherry broke my heart when I saw him on Dog Town. I'm so happy he's found the perfect forever home!

October 26, 2009 : 2:06 PM ET
posted by: tracym

Hi Paul and Melissa,

I hae been following along with Cherry's progress after I did your home visit. I am so happy the two of you have been choosen to be his new mommy and daddy. I would love to stop by some time to see him!

Best to all of you,

Tracy

October 25, 2009 : 3:16 PM ET
posted by: annecarson

How wonderful for Cherry! I must say that I'm a bit envious as I've my eye on Cherry for a long time now and wanted to adopt her myself, but I've got 2 very hyper cocker spaniels and I didn't know how they would react to Cherry or Cherry to them. I didn't want them to scare her.

Anyway, congratulations to Cherry's new family. I know that you will treat her with the kindness and love that was so lacking in her earlier life. Please give her a big kiss and a hug, from her friend Anne in California!!

October 22, 2009 : 4:20 PM ET
posted by: drw

God Bless the couple that adopted Cherry. I am so happy to read about Cherry's new beginning, A new chapter filled with lots of love and happiness. I hope her story will be a learning curve for the people who think "pitbulls"are dangerous, that they will find out the truth and reality that pitbulls are wonderful, loving and innocent dogs. Dawn in TX.

October 21, 2009 : 4:45 AM ET
posted by: dunedoggy

Congrats on the latest adoption of Cherry, I am a very excited for Cherry as he gets his new forever home. It is so nice to see how these dogs have progressed and I love how Best Friends is there to help animals!!!! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!

October 20, 2009 : 4:08 PM ET
posted by: CatsMeow

Thank you thank you thank you. That is what is in my heart.

I try to follow as best as I can, the stories about these precious dogs. And now, here is the biggest success of all. Cherry has a forever home. No animal or human, should have gone through what Cherry had to live through. But after so much wonderful help from Best Friends, and his new family, Cherry can live the life that all animals deserve.

May God bless each and everyone who has touched the lives of these dogs.

October 20, 2009 : 3:49 PM ET
posted by: emeraldlizard

So happy for Cherry! He deserves all the best and looks like he has found it in his forever home with people who adore him! Love you, Cherry!!!

October 20, 2009 : 3:38 PM ET
posted by: seamus_21

Good for you cherry you have pick a GOOD set of owners!!! I love pits I want one. they are GREAT Dogs michelle

October 19, 2009 : 7:01 PM ET
posted by: 3dognite

There are days where I think I cannot read one more story, article, blog about another homeless animal in need of a loving family. It is so overwhelming, incredibly sad and it just rips my heart out. And then I read about these extraordinarily beautiful and generous people, Paul and Melissa, that open up their heart and their home and give Cherry a second chance at life and love. You have restored my faith in humanity and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Also, let us not forget all of the heroes at Best Friends, who without taking on the Vicktory dogs in the first place, would have most likely died without knowing even a single day of love. Dog Bless ?

October 19, 2009 : 5:31 PM ET
posted by: jbandk9s

When oh when will I learn to stop sneaking onto the BF site during work? I did so today, saw the Cherry news, and the tears just started to pour down my face as I read this wonderful story. I think Cherry touched a special spot in many people - so abused, so fearful, and so appealing at the same time. I am delighted to be reading her happy ending/beginning - it has made my day. I do hope that Cherry's new family will treat us all to occasional updates. Cherry, I love you and I wish you a wonderful new life with Madison, Paul and Melissa.

October 19, 2009 : 1:21 PM ET
posted by: debbieharcup

How wonderful to hear a loving and happy beginning for this beautiful dog! Thank you for having him in your family.

October 19, 2009 : 11:45 AM ET
posted by: doglover55

I am so happy that someone would have that much love for Cherry to go that these measures to give Cherry a forever home. God Bless all of you. May Cherry never have another bad day in his life.

October 19, 2009 : 10:59 AM ET
posted by: Reesa Holland

After all that Cherry has suffered in his life, he so deserves the good life with Paul, Melissa & Madison. God Bless you all with many happy years together.

October 18, 2009 : 9:22 PM ET
posted by: dakota95

This is SOOOO great! Hope we get to see the Cherry dance on National Geographic someday!

October 18, 2009 : 7:29 PM ET
posted by: Nancy Steadman

That is the best store I've heard in a long time. It made me cry. I'm so happy for Cherry and family. I'm glad the family kept working to get Cherry and I know that they will be happy forever. Good look to all.

Thank you very much for giving Cherry a great home.

October 18, 2009 : 6:09 PM ET
posted by: heyhae

I so love hearing about Cherry's happy ending story; KUDOS to Paul and Melissa and Madison for making a difference in Cherry's life after such hardship! I started to watch Dogtown after the Michael Vick story aired and fell instantly in love with the show and all the great people at the santuary! They are all truly angels! And so are Paul and Melissa and Madison for opening up their home and hearts to such a great addition!

October 18, 2009 : 1:44 PM ET
posted by: GatoGordo

This is an incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story! Paul and Melissa and Cherry and Madison - God bless you all, and may all your days be filled with joy.

October 18, 2009 : 12:25 PM ET
posted by: db58nlv

What a great story of not giving up and following the heart.

October 18, 2009 : 1:05 AM ET
posted by: gr8hound47

What a great story. So happy to see Cherry has a home now. After everything he has been through he deserves a happy home. Best Friends has done a wonderful job with him and so happy that he has a forever family now. Go Cherry !!!!!

October 17, 2009 : 10:05 PM ET
posted by: ivette0808

This is such a great story!! Thanks to them and to EVERYONE who helped in the process :) God Bless!!

October 17, 2009 : 9:47 PM ET
posted by: suerubin

YAY!!!!!! Congratulations to all of you and wishes for a wonderful and happy, fur ever home Cherry!!!!

October 17, 2009 : 9:44 PM ET
posted by: PETCAT

FROM THE LOWEST OF LOWS TO THE HIGHEST OF HIGHS!!!! WAY TO GO CHERRY,MADISON,PAUL AND MELISSA. WHAT A GREAT, HAPPY ENDING-OR I GUESS IT'S A GREAT,HAPPY BEGINNING FOR CHERRY!

October 17, 2009 : 8:34 PM ET
posted by: barbandshadow

My heart is singing and I am crying with tears of Joy to know that Cherry has a new LOVING home!!

He will bring so much happiness to their lives as my 1/2 staffordshire 1/2 bull terrier rescue has for me. It amazes me still today that no one wanted my sweet baby girl!!

Enjoy Paul and Melissa!

October 17, 2009 : 4:56 PM ET
posted by: kgisvold

As I read about Cherry, the tears are flowing, to say I'm happy for this dog is an understatement.. God Bless this couple and their dog for being Cherrys forever family.

October 17, 2009 : 4:38 PM ET
posted by: stoke21

Reading about these dogs is just amazing. It's good to know there are some great people out there that really care, and give this breed a chance. Just reading about the success stories I start smiling and laughing with happy tears in my eyes. Thanks everyone, Steve in L.A.