Shelter Seeks Home for Twice-Returned Senior Dog
The Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Shelter (AHS PPZ) is urgently seeking a loving forever home for Caesar, a special senior dog who has endured the heartbreak of being returned to the shelter twice.
The shelter shared Caesar’ sad story on Facebook revealing he was first adopted as a puppy in 2012. Sadly, a few years later, Caesar returned to the shelter when his owner moved away.
Fortunately, Caesar’s luck turned around again in 2016 when a loving family adopted him. However, due to difficult times, Caesar’s owner could no longer provide the care he needed, consequently leading to his second return to the shelter.
Despite his two returns to the shelter, the staff emphasizes that Caesar is a wonderful dog. Now 12 years old, he’s described as well-behaved, friendly with people of all ages, and still retains a playful spirit.
Additionally, Caesar is housebroken, walks well on a leash, takes treats gently, and is reportedly good with other dogs. Although being hearing impaired, Caesar reportedly understands hand gestures for basic commands like sit and stay.
“This sweetheart of a dog would be overjoyed to be welcomed into your life forever,” the shelter shares.
For dogs, the shelter can be a world of uncertainty and loneliness. Their wagging tails and hopeful eyes follow families as they pass by, drawn to the irresistible charm of puppies or the distinctive qualities of specific breeds.
The heartbreak is amplified for dogs who’ve once experienced the warmth of a home and then found themselves back in the shelter. But the pain is often compounded when this happens not just once, but twice.
Returning to the shelter after being adopted can be a devastating blow to a dog’s emotional well-being. They may struggle to understand why their human companion has abandoned them.
The familiar sounds, smells, and routines of their previous home are replaced by the unfamiliar sights and noises of the shelter environment. This sudden change can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression.
For shelter staff, witnessing a dog return for the second time is a particularly difficult experience. They’ve invested time and energy in helping the dog adjust to shelter life and find a new home.
To see their efforts come to naught can be disheartening and frustrating. They may feel a sense of failure or question their ability to match dogs with suitable families.
Caesar is not alone in facing such a heartbreaking situation. Many dogs have shared a similar fate. In a recent Facebook post, the Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Shelter shared another heartbreaking story of a dog who was adopted twice only to be returned to the shelter “in a matter of a month.”
Like Caesar, this unfortunate pup was not to blame for the circumstances that led to her being given up. The shelter expressed their disappointment and frustration over the recurring pattern of dogs being adopted and then returned, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on both the animals and the shelter staff.”
“No, Stella didn’t do anything wrong…. allergies were involved one time, a change of mind the next time… Stella is trying to stay positive, but it’s tough,” the shelter sadly shared.
Despite the disappointment, Stella remains an incredibly loving and playful dog. The shelter describes her as “mild-mannered, sweet, and loving” with plenty of training under her belt. At the perfect age of 6 ½, Stella thrives on meeting new people, treating everyone she encounters as a potential best friend.
While she may not be too keen on other pets at the shelter now, a comfortable home environment could change that. “Stella never stops loving people,” shared the shelter. “She begs for you to just give her a chance!”
