A shelter is never the place a dog truly belongs, and most of us know it. Sadly, not every pup is fortunate enough to spend their days in the warmth of a loving home.
Even a short stay in a kennel can be stressful for dogs, so it’s heartbreaking to imagine what it must feel like for those who spend months or even years behind bars.
For one dog named Eros, shelter life was all too familiar. Not only did he spend most of his days there, but he also endured the heartbreak of being adopted — and returned — three separate times.
The staff at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, couldn’t stand to see his story repeat again and again, so they decided to share his struggles with the world, hoping someone would finally give him the forever home he deserved.
A Lifetime Of Heartbreak
Although Eros had drifted through many situations in his life, the Valley Animal Center was the only place he could ever truly call “home.” Before arriving there, his circumstances were far from stable.
At first, things looked promising. Eros was adopted not long after arriving, and staff hoped his luck had finally turned. But it wasn’t long before he was brought back.
The first adopter couldn’t handle his energy. They said he was “too hyper,” and returned him.
Another family soon came forward, but once again, it didn’t work out.
“His second home had a dog already in the home and even with training and our assistance the existing dog in the home would not accept Eros as a house mate and they felt he was safer coming back to us,” Cantu recalled.
The cycle repeated again with a third adoption — and a third return. Each heartbreak weighed heavily on both Eros and the shelter team.
The Toll Of Shelter Life
When Eros left the shelter for the third time, everyone was convinced that it was finally his chance at happiness. But it ended in yet another disappointment.
“Eros was happy to be adopted after he was returned twice. But his happiness didn’t last long. He was returned for the third time through no fault of his own,” staff shared in a TikTok video that broke hearts online.
Beyond the sadness of repeated rejection, there were real risks to his mental and physical health. Studies,have shown that spending just three days in a shelter can significantly raise a dog’s stress hormone levels, tripling their cortisol.
Now imagine being returned three separate times. The toll on Eros was undeniable.
“We are fortunate to have a relationship with Eros and that has helped make him feel comfortable since coming back, but I know he suffers from stress of the shelter,” Cantu admitted.
Eros didn’t deserve the constant upheaval — no dog does.
The Happy Ending He Deserved
When a fourth adoption application came in, the staff didn’t know what to feel. Their hope was mixed with fear of another heartbreak. Still, they chose to take the risk.
This time, their gamble paid off.
“Eros has found an amazing home with a couple that I truly believe understands what Eros has been through and what he needs to feel comfortable in his new home,” Cantu said joyfully.
Not only did the couple adore his boundless energy, but Eros also gained a new canine sibling who welcomed him with open paws.
“If you had seen their first introduction to each other, you would think they had been best buds for a long time,” Cantu shared.
After enduring loss, stress, and countless disappointments, everything finally aligned for Eros. He found the family he had been waiting for all along — one that loves him for exactly who he is.
At last, this resilient pup has a forever home and a reason to wag his tail again.