Hearts have broken for a dog who was returned to a shelter less than 24 hours after being adopted.
Terrier mix Whoopie experienced the emotional rollercoaster of being taken in by a family, only to be returned to the Humane Society of Richland County in Ohio, leaving everyone crushed for her.
“She was returned after she jumped up at a small child that was being held by an adult,” the Humane Society told Newsweek. “Nothing happened, but they were concerned that it could be a reoccurring issue. It was truly a sad situation, but we are glad they did the right thing and brought her back to us if they did not think it would work out.”
The Humane Society shared Whoopie’s short-lived adoption on Facebook, which amassed thousands of interactions, explaining in detail what happened. “At first. When she met a young grandchild, she jumped at her,” the shelter said online.
“There was no bite, and the child is totally fine, but the family doesn’t want to take any chances. We get it. Whoopie is a big girl. Her adopter was very distraught because, as he said, ‘she is SUCH a good girl.’ She really is,” the post continued.
Whoopie, estimated to be between one and two years old, first arrived at the shelter on April 25 under heartbreaking circumstances. Her original owner had been incarcerated, and the person left in charge of her care was unable to continue looking after her.
She was taken to a local veterinary office with the intent of being euthanized. Thankfully, the vet staff intervened, believing she deserved another chance at life—and contacted the Humane Society.
Despite the setback, Whoopie didn’t have to wait long for a new beginning. Shelter staff reported that multiple adopters expressed interest in her, and she was adopted again on Saturday, just two days after the post online shared earlier this month about her return.
Though she remained at the shelter temporarily to be spayed on Tuesday, she is set to officially go to her new home over the weekend.
“We are very happy for her!” the shelter said.
As a nonprofit, the Humane Society of Richland County is, like many shelters, stretched thin—currently over capacity for both cats and dogs and working off a waiting list for feline surrenders. They’re in the thick of kitten season, with daily calls about stray kittens and nursing mother cats.
“Every day has its own special chaos,” the shelter said. “But once we are finally able to find perfect homes for our animals, like Whoopie did, we know everything is worth it.”
Sadly, Whoopie is far from the first dog to find herself returned to the shelter after an adoption. Earlier this year a dog gained attention after being in a shelter for over 1,000 days after being returned three times.
Similarly, a cat was sent to a shelter after 10 years in a home after his owner passed away, leaving him lonely and searching for a new home.
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