This unwanted dog went through 14 failed adoptions, leaving shelter's staff in tears

This ‘unlucky’ dog was let down by 14 potential owners, leaving the shelter’s staff in tears each time adoption didn’t go through. Despite being sweet and loving, this super energetic 30 kg pooch seems ‘too much’ to handle.

This unwanted dog went through 14 failed adoptions, leaving shelter's staff in tears
© Photo by Svetozar Milashevich on Pexels.com
This unwanted dog went through 14 failed adoptions, leaving shelter's staff in tears

It seems like Ronald wasn’t meant to find a loving home as he was given up on a heartbreaking 14 times. Despite being a ‘100% sweet’ and loving dog, he was too strong and active for potential adopters. But once the right family laid their eyes on him, all the long wait suddenly felt worth it.

Discover our latest podcast

Unlucky pup

Ronald was transferred by a municipal rescue facility to the non-profit shelterSPCA in North Carolina, US, in December last year.

Even though someone reached out for him within a week, they didn't move forward with the adoption.

Following this unlucky attempt, the pup went on to have trial periods with three more families but sadly, he was returned each time.

Eleven more requests for Ronald resulted in nothing as they were drawn out.

Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Due to his rather large frame and 30 kg in weight, this energetic mixed-breed dog seemed too difficult to handle for potential owners.

But despite the setbacks, the SPCAdidn’t give up on Ronald. They posted his story showing his adorable smile and puppy eyes on Facebook, and the unexpected happened.

Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Wednesday, January 11, 2023

‘He truly is a good boy’

Pictures of the pup went viral overnight, reaching the screens of over a million people, according to the charity.

In a post on Facebook, SPCA wrote:

Help us break Ronald's unlucky streak! 14 adoptions have fallen through for this lovely guy — mostly due to being too big/strong. It's true, he's a big boy! But for his large frame, he only weighs 63 lbs. Ronald knows his commands, takes treats super gently and is 100% sweet. He truly is a very good boy.

The charity adds that now and then, Ronald does get excited but he is not a problem for someone who has ‘reasonably sturdy footing’.

Read more:

A starving dog ‘with every bone visible’ was locked up in the filth by its cruel owner

Anger as a bald traumatised dog was 'discarded' by an ‘isolated’ quarry

A loving home at last

When Kiersten Davis, a nurse from Raeford, North Carolina, saw the pup for the first time, she was sure she wouldn’t have a chance to adopt him as ‘someone was going to snatch him up quickly’.

She wasn’t intimidated by him at all, and instead adored his clumsiness and zestful spirit.

But Davis was in luck and the adoption went through. She described how Ronald was welcomed by her husband, two young children, and a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd named Billie.

Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

She explained:

As soon as I brought him home and saw him with the boys and our other dog, I knew we would finalize the adoption. I was not intimidated at all by the energetic puppy behaviour! I live with two boys, ages 7 and 4, so I am used to the chaos and crazy.

According to Davis, Ronald loves to cuddle and take up the whole couch. He may even try to sneak his head up on the kitchen counter for a snack.

Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Davis said about her happy experience:

We have been so overwhelmed with love and positivity from this.
Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Read more:

An abandoned dog ended up becoming a Guinness World Record holder

A frightened dog was tied to a park bench overnight and dumped by its cowardly owner

Sources used:

- Mirror: Unluckiest dog stuck at shelter after 14 failed adoptions finally finds forever home

Animal shelter was left heartbroken over an abandoned underweight dog no one wants to adopt Animal shelter was left heartbroken over an abandoned underweight dog no one wants to adopt