A street dog who was returned to his foster home by an adopter has finally found his forever family—right back where he started.
Adriana Matta (@alittlebitofadri), from Orlando, Florida, fosters dogs through Perfect Pet Adoption Center. When Titan, 2, first came into her care, she instantly felt a connection.
“I immediately said yes. From Day One, he was absolute perfection,” she told Newsweek.
Titan was only with Matta and her family for two weeks before being adopted. Although they were happy he had found a home, it felt like a loss. “But I always teach my kids that this is part of fostering—if we keep them all, we can’t keep saving more dogs,” Matta added.
However, about a month later, Titan was returned. The adopter said that the dog exhibited behavioral issues Matta had never witnessed—not during his time with her, nor while he was at the rescue.
Matta added that the adopter had even gone so far as to have Titan sedated by a vet, which she found shocking, given how calm and easygoing he had always been. Despite her concerns, Matta took him back without hesitation. And Titan was “the same sweet, perfect boy he’d always been.”
A TikTok video of Titan snuggled between Matta’s sons on the couch captured the hearts of internet viewers, racking up over 50,100 likes and more than 246,700 views. In the clip, one of the boys lovingly kisses Titan on the face.
“When you’re rescued from the streets and finally find not just your forever home, but your safe spot between two humans,” Matta wrote as the text overlay of the video.
Another month passed with no adoption interest. Then, just as a new potential adopter came forward, Matta said she felt an unshakable instinct: maybe Titan was meant to stay. But, with three dogs already, homing another pooch felt unsustainable.
That is when fate seemed to step in. “One of our senior dogs passed away unexpectedly. It felt like a sign. Right before Titan’s next meet-and-greet, we made the decision to back out and adopt him ourselves.”
Matta added: “And, honestly, we couldn’t be happier.”
Titan has also formed a heartwarming bond with Matta’s sons. “He’s officially my kids’ first dog—and he’s absolutely perfect. He sleeps with them, follows them around, and looks for them when they’re not around. It’s like he was meant to be part of our family all along. My kids officially gained a new best friend, and he’s gained a whole new life.”
While many foster caregivers anticipate the possibility of adopting, Matta didn’t expect to be a “foster fail” this time.
“I truly thought someone would snatch him up right away. But, looking back, I think it was just meant to be,” Matta said.
TikTok viewers were obsessed with the heartwarming scene.
“Not the kiss on the snoot,” said one commenter.
“Bubba is tucked innnnnn … snug as a bug in a rug,” added Eryn Nicole.
“Awwww my heart! I fostered failed a 3-year-old Male Pittie. He’s my cuddle bug,” another viewer shared.
“Someone somewhere will still see this video and say these are the most aggressive dogs and how could you trust them around children? I say—this is such a beautiful moment. More people need to see these dogs for who they are,” commented a third.
“If that isn’t the look of safety and contentment,” one user summed it up simply.
Matta, a licensed aesthetician, dog trainer, and UGC content creator, said she hopes Titan’s story inspires more people to adopt.
“Please stop buying dogs. The overbreeding problem—especially here in Florida—is heartbreaking. So many innocent dogs are being put to sleep simply because there’s no space for them,” Matta added.
She said people should do their research before getting a dog. “Too often, dogs are bought based on looks alone, and when their energy or needs don’t match the owner’s lifestyle, they’re abandoned.
“Please, please, please educate yourself. Visit your local shelter. Check Petfinder.com. Your new best friend could be waiting for you—and saving their life might just change yours, too.”
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