Tears Over Why Dog Dubbed a 'Little Princess' Given To Shelter by Owner

A dog that has found herself back in the shelter she was initially adopted from is once again searching for a new forever home.

Ja'dore first came to the Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park shelter (AHS Popcorn Park) in Forked River, New Jersey, after being discovered as a stray in nearby Newark three years ago.

Despite spending the last three years in a loving home, the Shih Tzu's previous owners sadly found themselves unable to manage her escalating medical needs—particularly her allergies. Because of this, Ja'dore is now back at the shelter.

"Ja'dore appears to have seasonal allergies as many animals do, and determining the cause for flare ups is difficult," Sally Hickman from AHS Popcorn Park told Newsweek. "If a flare-up is left untreated, it can cause ear and eye irritation and infection, itchy, yeasty skin, skin infections and a general feeling of discomfort."

In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.

The cost of pet care is a concern for many pet owners. In 2024, 60 percent of pet owners said that the rising cost of living has made it more difficult for them to afford pet ownership, while 45 percent of pet owners said they would be forced to use a credit card to cover an emergency vet bill.

Now 9 years old, Ja'dore finds herself back in the care of the AHS Popcorn Park shelter where she is getting the care she needs and is loved by the staff who dubbed her a "little princess." But naturally, she would much rather be in a loving home and is searching for a family to take her on.

Despite her medical issues, Ja'dore is a well-mannered, trained and playful pup.

"Her ideal home is one in which the medication regimen that our veterinarian has Ja'dore on will be followed and her condition will be treated indefinitely," said Hickman. "She is such an easy, sweet dog that gets along with dogs, cats, and kids and her ideal home would be one that is stress-free and relaxing, so that she can continue to get well."

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