Dog Finds Home After 500 Days At Shelter, Only To Be Returned A Week Later

Emma Ackerman
Aug 15, 2023
Aug 15, 2023

The joy of adoption is always shared by both shelter animals and their dedicated rescuers. It's surely a heartwarming moment when a long-term resident finally finds a forever home where they truly belong. However, the journey to finding the perfect match isn't always straightforward. Some animals experience multiple returns to the shelter before discovering their ideal home.

This holds true for the endearing canine in our story today, who spent over 500 days waiting for a family. His fortunes seemed to turn when he was adopted, yet just a week later, he found himself back at the shelter. For now, he is at the shelter again, awaiting his destined person to offer him the loving home he so deserves.

Source: Austin Animal Center

In March 2022, Drogo, an American Pit Bull, found himself at the Austin Animal Center after his owner faced eviction. Despite being well-behaved and house-trained, he went unnoticed during a shelter adoption event and ended up spending more than 500 days at the shelter.

@goodboygonehome Drogo has been waiting patiently for a home. Staff and volunteers love him. He’s gentle and loves to cuddle. Can you foster or adopt this sweet guy? @austinanimalcenter #longstay #shelterdog #adoptme #austinanimalcenter #adoptdontshop #pitbulllove ♬ To Build A Home - The Cinematic Orchestra & Patrick Watson

Source: Austin Animal Center

Last month, Drogo's luck seemed to change when he was adopted. The caregivers believed he was finally getting the happy ending he deserved. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as expected.

Source: Austin Animal Center

Drogo was brought back to the shelter just a week after he had left. Drogo "nipped" his new owner, according to the staff, so they brought him back.

“We are all crushed that Drogo was returned to the shelter so quickly,” a worker at the shelter posted on TikTok. “He was one of the longest stay dogs at the shelter and now he’s back again. He’s devastated. It’s not fair.”

@goodboygonehome We are all crushed that Drogo was returned to the shelter so quickly. He was one of the longest stay dogs at the shelter and now he’s back again. He’s devastated. It’s not fair. #austinanimalcenter #austinanimalshelter #longstay #adoptme #pitbulllove #pitbullsoftiktok #returned #shelterdog ♬ original sound - Dog Tales Rescue

Source: Austin Animal Center

For dogs like Drogo, ending up back at the shelter after what seemed like a successful adoption is always tough. Unfortunately, Drogo hasn't taken this setback well; he's been feeling stressed, upset, and barking more than usual.

Source: Austin Animal Center

“Shelter dogs need time to adjust to a new home. Drogo didn't even get the chance.” the shelter shared on their TikTok video. “He seems bummed to be back at the shelter. There hasn’t been any interest,” Kelsey Cler of the Austin Animal Center told Newsweek.

Source: Austin Animal Center

Drogo is currently looking for a new home, but the shelter is concerned that potential adopters might be prejudiced against him because of his breed and color. “Being a black pit bull mix is two things not in his favor,” Cler said. “We think it really comes down to black dogs not being chosen as often as other colors.”

Source: Austin Animal Center

The shelter staff thinks that Drogo would do best in a home without other pets, allowing him to adjust after his extended shelter stay. He's up for adoption, with no fee for fostering. So if you're considering adopting Drogo, please get in touch with the Austin Animal Center and check out his adoption page for more details.

Source: Austin Animal Center

It's truly sad when adopted dogs are brought back to the shelter, but we're optimistic that Drogo's next journey will lead him to a loving forever home soon!

Source: Austin Animal Center

If Drogo's story has touched your heart, please consider sharing it with your friends and family. Every share could lead him one step closer to finding his forever home. Don't forget to hit the "Like" button to show your support for shelter animals like Drogo. And for more heartwarming stories, adoption updates, and information on how you can make a difference in the lives of animals, visit our site frequently. Your engagement can truly make a world of difference for animals in need.

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