Some people truly take dogs for granted, especially shelter pups. Little do they know that what they see as a casual visit or a trial adoption means the whole world to them.
Duke, also known as Meatball, experienced this firsthand.
After being overlooked at the Indiana shelter for so long, this eighty-pound Terrier mix finally got his once-in-a-lifetime shot at happiness. He got out of his kennel, put the sweetest smile on his face, met his new family, and waltzed proudly into his new home.
Then, after only a day, came the biggest heartbreak!
Adopted, Abandoned, Adopted Again, Then Returned
To make things worse, this isn’t the first time Duke has lost his family. He was initially brought to the DeKalb Humane Society in Indiana as a puppy, from where he was later adopted into a loving home.
For a few years, Duke truly lived the life he had always dreamed of until he was cruelly abandoned by his first family and left all alone. Needless to say, Duke was heartbroken.
“Duke’s been through it. He was adopted as a pup and raised in a home for years, only to be left behind when his people moved. He came to us heartbroken but hopeful,” Indiana shelter wrote on Facebook.
He was admitted the second time to the DHS facility as a stray, hoping to get a new chance. This time, however, it wasn’t that easy for Duke to find a new home.
He was constantly overlooked by visitors, watching his other furry buddies get adopted and taken to new homes while he remained ignored. Then, it happened again!
Duke’s adopters finally showed up, wanting to give this Terrier pup a chance. Just when it seemed he was finally about to settle down into a loving home, Duke’s dreams were crushed again.
After escaping from the yard on his very first day in a new home, Duke’s new family decided they weren’t a good fit, so they returned him.
“He was adopted again recently, but slipped away during a backyard oops and was sadly returned,” the shelter added.
Duke, who has a hard time staying in a tiny kennel, was devastated again.
Still Waiting For The Perfect Home
One thing is for sure: Duke’s situation has not been easy. Knowing there’s more to life than a kennel, Duke has a hard time accepting that he has been returned once more.
While he retains a positive spirit, Duke truly hopes to find a suitable home, preferably one with adults, with a fenced yard and a calm environment.
“Duke would do best with an active family who has the time to work with him on training and can provide a lot of love and exercise. A home without other pets would be ideal, where he can be the center of attention and continue to develop his social skills,” the dog’s caregivers concluded.
Duke is definitely ready to take on the next big step in his life; all he needs is a family that’s ready to give him a chance.
He’s neutered, vaccinated, and has a clean bill of health. At six years of age, Duke is at his prime, loves to hang out with people, and definitely open to all kinds of adventures.
Hopefully, his new family is just around the corner!