Pittie Mom Can’t Stop Crying For Her Puppies After Being Abandoned At Shelter

When Cinnamon – a red nose Pitbull girl – was dumped at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control shelter in North Carolina, she was absolutely heartbroken. 

She had been abandoned without her babies, and every time anyone stopped to talk to her, tears filled her eyes.

This sad Pitbull mama caught the eyes of one volunteer, who then decided to film a short video of her and post it on Facebook. 

Only 48 hours later, the life of Cinnamon completely changed. 

Cry Of A Broken Heart

photo of sad pitbull at shelter
Source: Sarah Jennings Sleime

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Sarah Jennings Sleime, normally a volunteer for the Greater Charlotte SPCA, decided one Saturday that she was going to make a spontaneous trip to animal control to check out a couple of dogs for rescue. 

She had no idea that one dog in particular was going to break her heart. 

“I walked the kennels and a pit bull caught my eye… she was sitting up, kind of slumped-over, almost human-like,” Sleime wrote in her Instagram post.

It was pretty obvious that she recently had puppies and was completely heartbroken since her puppies weren’t there with her. 

“[The shelter workers] believe she was confined and used as a breeding machine. She’s obviously had many, many litters,” Sleime told The Dodo. 

She then bent over and started to talk to Cinnamon, but each time she did so, Cinnamon’s eyes filled with tears.

“It was the craziest phenomenon,” Sleime said.

close-up photo of sad pitbull
Source: Sarah Jennings Sleime

In the absence of a foster home, the SPCA was unable to rescue any big dogs, but Sleime knew she had to do something to help this poor dog.

“I snapped some video footage of her “crying” and posted it to Facebook. 48 hours later, that video has been viewed 1 MILLION times and shared by 20k people,” Sleime wrote. 

In only a day, Sleime’s inbox was filled with hundreds of messages about Cinnamon and her availability. 

So many people wanted to adopt this pretty girl and give her a new life that will not be filled with tears.  

Happily Ever After 

Sleime’s friend, Meghan Connor Shelton, from Charlotte, North Carolina, was also among the hundreds of people to see Cinnamon’s video. 

She told The Dodo: 

“I have a special place in my heart for pit bulls. I think they’re a very misunderstood dog and a misunderstood breed. And when I saw her in that video, literally crying in a cage, I cried. My kids cried. I showed my husband, and he said we could go look at her tomorrow.”

The next morning, Shelton’s family was first in line to meet Cinnamon.

The whole family, including the children, were immediately in love with her. “It was love at first sight. She just kind of pulled at our heartstrings,” Shelton said. 

They filled out the paperwork, and as soon as Cinnamon – now known as Rosie – was spayed, they brought her home. 

family with a pitbull at shelter
Source: Sarah Jennings Sleime

The family already had another dog at home – a 3-year-old Pitbull male named Blu. 

At first, they weren’t sure if the two would get along, especially since Rosie had suffered a lot in her life, but she surprised everyone.

“It was interesting because you never know how it’s going to go, but they just kind of sat next to each other with tails wagging,” Shelton said. 

two dogs lying next to each other in sunshine
Source: @rosie_the_red_nose_pit

The two are now the best of friends, and they enjoy each other’s company. It’s like they’ve known each other their whole life. 

As Rosie slowly got used to her new home and life, her personality also blossomed. According to the family, one of her most interesting characteristics is that “when she gets excited, she snorts like a pig”.

Rosie’s touching video not only secured her a new home, but it also helped many other dogs at the shelter find their forever home. 

pitbull sitting in a chair
Source: @meghanshelton

“Small acts have a big impact: Not only was this sweet dog, Cinnamon, adopted the next morning, but other families who came to adopt her saved other dogs at the shelter, freeing up kennels for strays and owner surrenders waiting in the back who would have certainly been euthanized as the shelter is full,” Sleime said. 

One simple video or a photo can reach millions of people and in a matter of seconds, change someone’s life. 

Visit the CMPD Animal Care and Control page, and the Greater Charlotte SPCA’s website for more information about adoptable dogs for an opportunity to save another pup’s life just like Rosie’s was saved.  

Is it rude to ask guests to remove their shoes

Ever found yourself hesitating to ask a guest to remove their shoes, only to be told by someone, like your mother-in-law, that you’re being discourteous? You’re not alone! It’s a surprisingly polarizing topic that touches on cleanliness, cultural customs, and hosting etiquette. So, is it really rude to request this, or is it simply a matter of personal preference?

Understanding the Cultural Context of Shoe Removal

One of the biggest factors shaping opinions on this issue is culture. In many Asian and Scandinavian households, removing shoes is not just polite—it’s a must. It’s seen as a sign of respect and a way to keep homes clean and sacred. On the other hand, many Western cultures don’t place as much emphasis on this practice. Guests often keep their shoes on indoors, and requesting otherwise might be considered unusual.

Does this mean you shouldn’t ask guests to remove their shoes if it’s part of your household tradition? Absolutely not! The key is recognizing that cultural norms differ. Being aware of these differences can help you approach the topic in a way that’s both respectful and confident.

Health and Hygiene: The Case for Bare Floors

If you’ve ever looked at the bottom of a pair of shoes after a long day, you already know they’re not exactly clean. Shoes can track in dirt, bacteria, and allergens that could easily spread around your home. For families with small kids crawling on the floor or those with allergies, maintaining a shoe-free home can be a lifesaver.

Think about it: would you want the same shoes that trudged through public bathrooms or muddy sidewalks to stomp across your living room carpet? Probably not. Explaining this perspective to your guests can make your request feel less like an arbitrary rule and more like a thoughtful choice for the health of everyone in the household.

Does Hosting Etiquette Really Say No to Shoe Removal?

Traditional hosting etiquette often emphasizes guest comfort, suggesting that making guests feel at home should be your top priority. But modern etiquette acknowledges that it’s equally important to respect the host’s rules. After all, it’s your home, and you’re entitled to set boundaries.

The trick is finding a balance. Yes, you want your guests to feel comfortable, but you also want to feel comfortable in your own space. Asking guests to remove their shoes doesn’t have to be a big deal—it’s all about how you frame the request. Approach it with kindness, and most guests will happily comply.

Managing Family Dynamics: When Your Mother-in-Law Disagrees

Let’s face it: family dynamics can complicate even the simplest decisions. If your mother-in-law insists that asking guests to remove their shoes is “rude,” it can feel like you’re caught in the middle. So, how do you handle this without creating tension?

Start by having a calm conversation. Explain why this practice matters to you—whether it’s about cleanliness, cultural tradition, or personal preference. Acknowledge her perspective, but make it clear that this is a decision you’ve made for your home. Compromise can help here; for example, you could consider allowing exceptions for certain guests or occasions while sticking to your rule in everyday situations.

How to Politely Ask Guests to Remove Their Shoes

So, how do you actually ask someone to take their shoes off without sounding rude or awkward? It’s all about tone and preparation. Here are a few tips:

  • Set the Tone Beforehand: If possible, let guests know about your shoe-free policy before they arrive. A simple mention in an invitation—like, “Feel free to bring comfy socks; we’re a shoe-free household!”—can go a long way.
  • Provide Comfort: Make the transition easier by offering a designated shoe rack by the door and providing clean slippers or cozy socks for guests who might feel uncomfortable going barefoot.
  • Use Polite Language: When guests arrive, frame the request as a preference rather than a demand. For example, “We usually ask everyone to leave their shoes at the door to keep things clean. Thanks so much!”

When you approach the topic with thoughtfulness, most people will appreciate your effort and won’t think twice about slipping off their shoes.

Balancing Tradition and Modern Practices

Incorporating traditions while respecting modern hosting practices can be a delicate dance. Traditional etiquette might emphasize catering to guests’ every need, but modern hosting often focuses on mutual respect and consideration. Striking the right balance means blending these approaches.

For instance, if you’re hosting a formal dinner party and you know some guests might find shoe removal awkward, consider making an exception for that event. But during casual gatherings or day-to-day visits, stick to your shoe-free rule. Flexibility shows thoughtfulness while still honoring your personal boundaries.

When Compromise Isn’t an Option

What if you have guests who outright refuse to take their shoes off, or your mother-in-law insists on overriding your rule? In these cases, it’s essential to stand your ground politely but firmly. Your home is your sanctuary, and maintaining its cleanliness and comfort is your right.

If someone disagrees, remind them that this isn’t about being “rude” or “discourteous.” It’s about creating an environment that works for your household. Offering alternatives—like slippers for those who prefer not to go barefoot—can help smooth over any discomfort.

Conclusion: Creating a Home That Reflects Your Values

Ultimately, asking guests to remove their shoes isn’t rude—it’s a reflection of your values and preferences. Whether you’re motivated by cleanliness, cultural tradition, or personal comfort, it’s entirely reasonable to expect guests to respect your house rules. The key is clear, kind communication and a willingness to accommodate others’ needs whenever possible.

At the end of the day, successful hosting isn’t about rigid adherence to etiquette or sacrificing your boundaries. It’s about creating an environment where both you and your guests feel respected and at ease. So, go ahead—ask politely, offer slippers, and enjoy a clean, happy home that truly feels like your own.

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