Living in a shelter isn’t easy. Even with caring staff and volunteers doing everything to make life enjoyable, it can still be a lonely and stressful experience.
Many sweet animals dream of being adopted by a family who will love them. They long for someone to call their own, whether that means running, playing, or relaxing on the couch together.
Echo, a playful pup, has had these dreams too many times, only to face repeated disappointment.
Is Something Wrong With Me?
When Echo first arrived at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, he was a tiny puppy. Knowing that puppies often get adopted quickly, staff expected he would find a home fast.
And he did.
Just a few days later, a family adopted him. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of his shelter story. After some time, he was returned, unsure why his family no longer wanted him.
This happened three more times. The most heartbreaking part was the reason for each return.
“Echo is a young high-energy dog, and we explained to each family he will require a lot of enrichment and exercise, walks, and trips to the dog park, but each family has stated that they do not have the time to train him or exercise him,” Ruben Whitney-Cantu, animal care adoption supervisor said in an interview.
Whitney-Cantu shared that his first adoption lasted eight months, the second ten months, and the third only a few days because he used the bathroom on concrete instead of grass.
His final adoption lasted ten months.
Though each family gave him time to adjust, they ultimately couldn’t manage his energy and training needs.
“Echo has such a wonderful personality; everybody he meets is like he is seeing his best friend, even if he has never met that person. He is great with other dogs, has lived in a home with children, great on leash and in the car for rides,” Whitney-Cantu said.
Finding The Right Home
Due to all the back-and-forth between homes and the shelter, Echo has struggled emotionally.
He started barking out of stress, and anyone approaching his kennel made him fearful, even though he loves interacting with people outside.
Shelter staff are doing everything they can to help him overcome this trauma and find a family where he can finally feel secure.
“With Echo being such a friendly dog, there aren’t a lot of barriers for his next home. Echo is not a perfect dog, but with a little work, effort, and commitment, he will make a great friend and pet to someone out there,” she added.
If you can provide a home where Echo can be himself, the shelter encourages you to reach out and offer this sweet pup the love and stability he deserves.