Some people don’t realize just how much adoption means to a shelter dog. For them, it’s not just a casual decision or a temporary arrangement—it’s their entire world.
Duke, also known by the nickname Meatball, learned this lesson the hardest way possible.
After being passed over countless times at the Indiana shelter, this eighty-pound Terrier mix finally got his chance at happiness. He stepped out of his kennel, tail wagging and a huge smile on his face, ready to begin life with a family of his own.
But in just one day, his world came crashing down.
From Hope To Heartbreak
What makes Duke’s story even sadder is that this wasn’t the first time his heart had been broken. Originally, he arrived at the DeKalb Humane Society in Indiana as a young pup and was adopted into what seemed like a loving home.
For years, Duke lived the life every dog dreams of—until his first family abandoned him.
“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,” the Indiana shelter wrote on Facebook.
Left behind and confused, Duke was later picked up as a stray and returned to DHS. This time, his journey to adoption was much harder. While his kennel mates found homes one by one, Duke kept getting overlooked, waiting for someone to notice him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a family arrived who seemed ready to give him the chance he so badly needed.
Unfortunately, that hope didn’t last.
On his very first day in his new home, Duke managed to slip out of the backyard. Instead of working through the mistake, his adopters decided they weren’t the right fit and brought him back to the shelter.
“He was adopted again recently, but slipped away during a backyard oops and was sadly returned,” the shelter added.
For Duke, who struggled with the confines of a kennel, it was devastating. After tasting freedom and love for just one day, he was back to square one.
Still Searching For His Forever Family
Duke’s journey has been anything but easy. He knows there’s more to life than the four walls of a kennel, and returning to that reality has been especially hard for him.
Despite everything, Duke hasn’t lost his spirit. His caretakers describe him as a dog full of love and energy, but one who needs the right environment to truly thrive.
“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,” his caregivers explained.
At six years old, Duke is healthy, neutered, vaccinated, and ready for adventure. He enjoys the company of people, loves to be active, and is eager for a chance to finally prove he’s the perfect companion.
All he needs now is a family committed to giving him the stable, loving home he’s been waiting for his whole life.
Duke’s story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Though he’s been let down before, his resilience shines through. With the right family, one willing to embrace him fully, Duke’s happily ever after could be just around the corner.
Let’s hope his next adoption is the one that finally sticks.