Mabel the Rescue Dog

2 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

Unfortunately, dogs get returned at rescues more often than people realize. And sadly, once word gets out that an adoptable dog was a “return,” people are often more hesitant to adopt that dog. They falsely assume that the dog was returned because something was “wrong” with them, but I promise you that’s not true.

Our most recent foster dog, Trooper (formerly known as Dimitri), was returned. He was the first dog Molly fostered that was returned (although she has fostered returned dogs before, they just weren’t her fosters the first time around). By fostering Trooper, it became even clearer to me that there’s nothing wrong with returned dogs. After all, I’m not a fan of sharing the attention with other dogs, but I didn’t mind having Trooper around.

Why Do Dogs Get Returned?

When dogs get returned, it’s not their fault. In fact, it’s usually no one’s fault. Most returns are simply because the dog and the adopter ended up not being a good fit. Or sometimes the adopter ends up not having enough time, money, and/or energy to properly care for the dog. Humans are often quick to shame others for returning a dog, but in most cases, a return is in the best interest of the dog in the long run.

Regardless of the specifics, the important thing to remember is that just because the dog wasn’t a good fit for one adopter doesn’t mean they won’t be for another. There is no dog that’s perfect for every household. The perfect dog for one family could be a poor fit for a different family.

So, if a dog gets returned to a rescue or shelter, it doesn’t mean that they’re “damaged” or “imperfect.” It just means they haven’t found the right fit. Maybe they need more exercise than their adopter could provide. Maybe they get nervous as the only dog and would be better suited for a family with a dog. Maybe they need specific training classes that their adopter wasn’t willing or able to provide. Whatever the reason, it’s not because the dog isn’t worthy of love. It’s because they didn’t match well with their adopter, but they will be a great dog for someone else.

All Dogs Deserve a Chance!

Keep this in mind next time you’re looking to add a dog to the family. Give all the dogs a chance, even if they’ve been returned. Sometimes, the dog that’s best for a family isn’t the one they expected, so take the time to meet a variety of dogs to help you find one that has the perfect personality for your lifestyle.

And remember, all dogs require a lot of work. Even the laziest dogs like me need training and socialization when adjusting to a new home. So, make sure you’re willing to put in that work before getting a dog to ensure that you’ll never have to return them.

Like my blog? Please follow me on Facebook!