When it comes to adopting a dog, there’s one golden rule that every new pet parent should follow: always give your pup time to settle in. Adjusting to a new home takes patience, and rushing the process can lead to disappointing outcomes.
Unfortunately, not every dog gets the chance to ease into their new environment. Matcha, a sweet pup recently adopted and returned to a Michigan shelter in under ten minutes, knows that heartbreak all too well.
Just when it seemed like Matcha’s story was heading toward a happy ending, an unexpected twist changed everything.
A Record-Breaking Return
The Michigan Animal Rescue League recently shared the emotional stories of two of their residents—Matcha and Trudge.
Trudge, a fun-loving Bouvier mix rescued from a local shelter, finally found a home after spending 120 days in the care of the rescue. Everyone was thrilled for him—until just 72 hours later, his new family brought him back, saying he was “too much to handle.”
At that point, Trudge’s short-lived adoption had been the fastest return the rescue had seen. But then came Matcha.
This adorable Shih Tzu mix had already been surrendered once for “not being a good fit,” and was overjoyed to finally be chosen again. But to everyone’s dismay, his new adopters turned around and returned him just ten minutes later—citing a sudden “change of heart.”
The turning point? Matcha’s recent fecal test results arrived during the adoption process, revealing he needed a brief round of medication. That was all it took for his adopters to walk away, leaving the staff heartbroken.
“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,” the Michigan rescue explained in a video description.
It was an especially tough blow for the team, as Matcha had proven himself to be a gentle, affectionate dog.
“This handsome pup is the perfect blend of mellow and playful,” they wrote in another post.
Unlike Trudge, Matcha is a cuddle-loving lap dog who prefers calm walks and laid-back play sessions.
A Happy Twist for Matcha
Despite the discouraging experience, Matcha’s story was far from over.
Thankfully, there were several adoption applications lined up, and it didn’t take long for better news to reach the shelter. Just one day after being returned, Matcha found a forever home—and this time, it was the real deal.
As for Trudge, his journey to finding a family is still ongoing. He’s a big-hearted, 100-pound bundle of energy, perfect for an active household that enjoys 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 shared on Instagram.
With his love for squeaky toys and zoomies, Trudge is one of the rescue’s liveliest pups. Here’s hoping he meets his perfect match soon—just like Matcha did.