Dog Adopted as a Puppy Finds Himself Back in Shelter: 'Patiently Waiting'

A lively and lovable pup at the Humane Society of Forsyth County (HSFC) in Georgia is looking for a forever home after being returned to the shelter.

"King was born into our program, adopted as a puppy, and unfortunately returned through no fault of his own due to extenuating circumstances in the original adopter's home," Amanda Porter from the HSFC told Newsweek.

"We took him back in as soon as the previous pet parents called, and he's been with us for about 10 months looking for his new family."

Now 2 years old, King is a 70-pound Chinese shar-pei, terrier and American Staffordshire breed mix. He has been overlooked so far, but the shelter is hopeful that he can find his perfect happy ending.

Each year 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet "Shelter Watch Report" found.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

King's perfect home is in an active household with older children or adults who can match his energy level. "Due to his size and boisterous personality, an active home with older children or adults would be a great fit," Porter said. "King has a lot of energy and loves getting up close and personal with his friends, human and canine alike."

An exuberant pup, Porter explained that he gets on with other dogs, but requires patient companions who can handle his enthusiasm.

"He doesn't quite understand the concept of 'personal space' yet," she said.

Reflecting on King's prolonged stay at the shelter, Porter expressed optimism about finding him a forever home. "We believe King is still searching for his new home partially due to his size, energy, and lack of manners and training," she said. "However, we are hopeful that the right fit will come along soon."

Shelter volunteers have been working with King on his training, seeing him each week and hoping that this will aid in finding him a new home.

"He has been a quick learner on leash walking and basic commands," Porter said. "He loves his squeaky toys and is very food motivated."

King is just one of the pets who was recently part of the International Shelter Slumber Pawty event, where supporters spent the night with shelter pets to raise funds and awareness.

"On Saturday, April 6th, hundreds of animal lovers spent the night side-by-side with shelter pets to raise funds and awareness for community animals," she said. "Some of HSFC's most dedicated supporters and staff stayed the night at our facility eating, sleeping, and 'pawtying' with our amazing shelter residents while raising money to support our programs."