Bringing a dog into a new home always requires patience, understanding, and time to adjust. Without that, even the sweetest pup can face unnecessary setbacks.
Unfortunately, Matcha, a gentle dog in Michigan, experienced heartbreak when his new owners returned him to the shelter just ten minutes after adoption.
A moment that should have marked a fresh start instead became a sudden disappointment.
An Adoption Ends Almost Immediately
The Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) recently highlighted two deeply emotional adoption stories featuring Matcha and another resident, Trudge.
Trudge, a lively Bouvier mix rescued from another facility, finally found a family after spending 120 days in care.
The MARL team celebrated his placement, only to have him returned three days later because the adopters felt he was “too much to handle.”
That brief adoption seemed record-breaking, but then Matcha’s experience surpassed it.
Matcha, a Shih Tzu mix, had already been surrendered once for “not being a good fit.”
When he was adopted again, he appeared overjoyed at the chance for a real home. Mere minutes later, however, he was back at the shelter, his adopters citing a sudden “change of heart.”
The cause was a simple medical update: Matcha’s fecal test results had arrived during the adoption, indicating he needed a short course of medication.
That small detail was enough for the family to abandon him, leaving staff heartsick.
“Our client based adoption process is designed to set both the animal and adopter up for success, but sometimes things just don’t work out,” MARL explained.
It was especially difficult to watch because Matcha had always been known for his calm, loving personality.
“This handsome pup is the perfect blend of mellow and playful,” the shelter shared in a separate post.
Unlike energetic Trudge, Matcha thrived on cuddles, leisurely walks, and quiet companionship with his humans. His gentle nature made the rejection all the more painful to witness.
A Loving Home Finally Beckons
Despite the setback, Matcha’s story did not end in disappointment.
Several adoption applications were already waiting, and the perfect family was found quickly.
Just one day later, Matcha left the shelter for a home ready to give him the love, attention, and care he truly deserved.
Trudge, meanwhile, remains at MARL, patiently awaiting a family suited to his high-energy personality.
This 100-pound bundle of joy, known for his love of squeaky toys and full-speed zoomies, is perfect for an active household with space for adventure.
“This goofy guy is full of energy and enthusiasm, always ready to turn any moment into a fun adventure. Whether he’s chasing toys, making new friends, or just being his charming self, Trudge is sure to keep you laughing,” MARL wrote on Instagram.
His playful spirit continues to light up the shelter, and staff remain hopeful he will soon find a forever home, just as Matcha did.