Dog's Heartbreak As Adopter Returns Her to Shelter Just 4 Hours Later

A dog taken hundreds of miles to be placed in a home was returned to a shelter just four hours after being adopted, leaving her carers heartbroken.

Matilda, an unclear mixed breed located in Georgia, was adopted in Vermont in October before being returned to Friends of Duke Rescue (FDR), in Saint Albans City, just north of Burlington, a few hours later.

The sudden return was a devastating blow to Ione Martin and Alexandra Cain, who work as non-professional dog carers. They drove Matilda from Colquitt County, in southern Georgia, to the Vermont city more than 1,200 miles away.

"We drove her to Vermont with a few other dogs, but just a day later we got the news that she had been returned. It was heartbreaking to know that someone would return her so fast after so much effort was spent to get her halfway across the country. Dogs need more than a few hours to adjust to a new home," Martin told Newsweek.

Martin told Newsweek she and Cain first came across Matilda in November 2022. After months of trying to find her a home, they finally heard some good news.

"They [FDR] do a great job finding and vetting great adopters, so when they told us they had someone who wanted Matilda, we were initially so thrilled."

Friends of Duke Rescue did manage to find a temporary foster home for Matilda once she was returned. The rescue eventually found a home for Matilda.

"Just two weeks later they were able to place Matilda with a forever home and they just adore her," Martin added.

Companion Animals in U.S. Shelters

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

The reasons for euthanasia in shelters often include running out of space, staffing issues, and a lack of resources to care for the number of animals needing help.

A video uploaded to the TikTok page run by Martin and Cain, on October 27, showed Matilda with her new family and enjoying life with her new "fur siblings."

Many of those who commented on the video praised Matilda and were delighted that she found a new home.

Rodney said: "Thank you so much. Beautiful souls helping beautiful souls."
Shannanharepayn69 added: "I'm so happy, my heart got her forever home. I'll love her always. Her family hit the jackpot."

Melindaadkins698 posted: "I am so happy for her. Forever home with love and kindness and fun."