How dogs find the strength to move on after being abandoned is beyond me. Yet, some pups, despite multiple rejections, are still nothing but lovebugs, longing for a chance.
Sadly, abandonment can cause long-term behavioral problems in our four-legged friends. This is especially true during puppyhood, when a dog’s demeanor is still highly sensitive to sudden changes.
Peanut, a beautiful Lab mix born in a California shelter, is Exhibit A.
At five years old, Peanut has already been failed by three different families. This has left him with trust issues, and now, after more than 500 days without a single application, Peanut is struggling to find his ideal match.
Failed As A Puppy, And Twice More
Peanut is one of the longest residents at The Vanderpump Dog Foundation in California. After being born in the shelter, he finally received his very first shot at happiness.
Sadly, his adoption didn’t go as planned. After not being properly socialized, Peanut developed behavioral issues.
“Peanut was born at Vanderpump Dogs 5 years ago. He was adopted as a puppy and unfortunately was not properly socialized, which led to behavioral issues,” the California rescue stated.
As a result, he was returned to the shelter, leaving him with long-term trust issues and resource guarding.
In the following years, this lovely boi was adopted and returned two more times. Heartbroken, reactive and scared, Peanut’s situation only worsened.
His behavioral problems continued, and now, he’s been without a single application for almost two years. To make things more heartbreaking, underneath his behavioral issues, Peanut is a loving goofball eager to love and play. All he needs is good guidance.
Recently, @savethedogs shared an emotional video of Peanut, trying to highlight this pup’s story and help him get a chance.
“Peanut is at @Vanderpump Dogs just waiting for the right person who has love and patience to come save him,” the video description reads.
The video already went viral on social media, with hundreds of people expressing their compassion and hope that Peanut will find his home soon.
Still Hoping
Thanks to his amazing caregivers, sitting in his tiny kennel is not everything Peanut does. Last year, this Lab mix stayed at the Ranch Dog Training, with a trainer specializing in helping reactive dogs.
Peanut is a well-behaved pup and is highly treat-motivated, but all he needs is a strong leader and a suitable home.
“Peanut would do best with a single, firm owner. If that’s not feasible, a couple with no kids could also work. Under no circumstances should he be rehomed with children. His owner would need to be a strong leader, who can establish and maintain boundaries and structure,” his trainers said, as stated in a Facebook post.
The things he loves most are his tennis balls and sunbathing. He just loves lounging in comfy places and enjoying the outside.
One thing is for sure: Peanut is definitely not a broken dog. He’s just a pup whose early life didn’t go as planned, and now he’s trying to get back on track… hopefully, with the right person and in a forever home!