GrubHub driver delivers food to shelter — sees one long-waiting dog and knows it’s meant to be

Sometimes dogs come into our lives in the most unexpected ways. You never know where or when you’ll happen to cross paths with the perfect pet.

That was the case recently, when one GrubHub driver made a delivery he would never forget…

Jihoo is a pit bull mix who was in the care of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in Virginia after his previous owner surrendered him.

While the shelter described him as an “intelligent, affectionate and gentle” dog, he struggled to find a home. For 240 days, Jihoo was passed over by everyone.

But a twist of fate changed his fortunes forever. On February 10, Grubhub driver Alan Moncayo delivered lunch to the shelter when he spotted the black-and-white dog and felt an instant connection.

“It was love at first sight,” Alan told People. “He looked at me, and I looked back at him.”

Alan, 51, realized the dog would be a perfect companion for his 5-year-old daughter Sabrina. “My daughter’s been asking me for a puppy for the longest time,” he said. “She wanted a dog so bad.”

Alan went home with Jihoo that day, ending the dog’s long wait for a forever home. Fairfax County Animal Shelter was holding an event in honor of the Super Bowl, and Jihoo was one of 20 dogs adopted that weekend.

Staff at the shelter were thrilled by the turn of events. Communications director Rebecca Cavedon said that Jihoo was “beloved by our staff” and “just perfect.”

“His adoption is just so special. Bringing people and pets together is really the core of our mission — there’s so much love and joy in adopting a pet,” she told People.

Jihoo has reportedly been settling in well in his new home.