Hearts Break Seeing Dogs After Being Returned to Shelter

When Soldier was adopted, he thought his luck had finally changed. The pit bull and sheepdog mix had been at the shelter for months before he was finally adopted. Sadly, he was returned after only two days in a home. Three-year-old Soldier had originally been surrendered by his owner because they were no longer able to care for him. After a stay at a pound, he found his way to Dogs’ Refuge Home. At this rescue center located in Western Australia, Soldier waited alongside the rescue’s other dogs for a shot at a new home. He finally thought he had a chance at his forever home when he was adopted. Unfortunately, he required more training than his new humans were able to commit to. 

@dogsrefugehome

Through no fault of their own 💙#rescueisthebestbreed #adoptdontshop #perthrescuedogs #adogisforlife

♬ original sound – ٤٤٤

A heartbreaking video posted to Dog’s Refuge Home’s TikTok account shows Solider, alongside several other dogs that had been returned after previous adoptions. However, poor Soldier had the shortest time away from the rescue. In the video, his sad face stands out as he leans against a fence, hoping for scratches. The heartbreaking video struck a chord with many viewers, some of whom had adopted their own dogs from the rescue. “My beautiful boy leo is from you guys. we are his third home and his forever. he was meant to find us” wrote one commenter. Others expressed their dismay at seeing these dogs returned. “It breaks my heart into a million pieces. Nothing ever could happen that we would give our boy back. Nothing.” said LordCardigansServent. 

It can take dogs several months to adjust to a new home. Experts advise remembering the 3:3:3 rule when introducing a new dog to the family. This rule means that it may take dogs three days to decompress from the shelter, three weeks to become accustomed to routines in their new home, and three months to settle in fully. 

Rescue staff say that Soldier is not coping well with being back at the shelter. The active boy loves walks. He would do well in a home with experienced dog humans and may be okay with other dogs and older children.  

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

Best Things In Life Are Rescued by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content: 

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and essential stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!