For rescue workers, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching a longtime shelter dog finally head off to their forever home. It makes every long hour and sleepless night worth it.
That’s exactly how the team at a Maryland shelter felt when Rigsby, a lovable black Labrador, was adopted. He had finally found his people, a warm home, and what looked like the happy ending he deserved.
But no one could have predicted that just six years later, everything would fall apart. Rigsby, once cherished and cared for, was found abandoned in a park — with only his tags left to tell his story.
Adopted Back In 2019
Despite the challenges of black dog syndrome — a common issue in shelters across the country — Rigsby was one of the lucky ones. In 2019, he was adopted into what appeared to be the ideal forever home.
The team at Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Maryland was overjoyed. They gave him a warm sendoff filled with hugs and well wishes, believing Rigsby’s new life was just beginning.
But six years later, a single phone call would bring their former resident back into their lives under heartbreaking circumstances.
Now 10 years old, Rigsby was discovered alone in a local dog park. He wore his rabies tag and a collar with playful charms, but no one by his side. His adopters had abandoned him, claiming they no longer wanted him.
“Rigsby is a 10 year old lab who was dumped at a dog park with his rabies tag and a name tag that says #SWEETHRT & #ICHASECATS ☹️ His owners were called and they do not want him back,” volunteer Madeline stated on Instagram.
It was a painful discovery for the shelter team. Despite being discarded, Rigsby’s spirit remained kind and gentle.
When he arrived at the shelter, he greeted everyone with love — just like the dog they had known years ago.
He was still house-trained, well-mannered, and delighted to meet new people. But he had aged. Rigsby now had visible muscle loss in his hips and a benign fatty tumor. His condition meant he would need permanent hospice care moving forward.
A New Beginning
They say when one chapter ends, another begins — and in Rigsby’s case, it couldn’t be more true. Within days of his return to the shelter, a glimmer of hope appeared.
The Forgotten Pet Advocates stepped in and found him the perfect foster home with a kind woman named Linda and her dog, Bentley.
As it turned out, Linda had been actively looking to foster a senior black dog — and Rigsby’s story came at just the right time.
“He will be spoiled rotten and most of all loved. His every wish will come true. He couldn’t be in a better place,” FPA wrote on Facebook.
At first, there was a question of whether Rigsby would adjust to his new home with Bentley. But within moments of meeting, the three formed a beautiful connection — as if they had always belonged together.
Now, the trio is inseparable!
“Rigsby has settled right in perfectly and Bentley is so happy to have him there! They sleep side by side and Rigsby just wants to be near both, his brother and his Mama! We couldn’t be happier for this sweet boy,” FPA concluded.
After all the pain and uncertainty, Rigsby has finally found peace. Surrounded by love, he is right where he belongs — and couldn’t be more content.