A shelter dog named Scrabble thought he had finally found his forever home, but was disappointed to learn that he would be returning within 72 hours.
72 hours is too short a time even for a small puppy who has been through a lot to get used to a new environment and people. Unfortunately, the emotional rollercoaster of hope and despair is all too familiar to countless dogs awaiting adoption.
Shelters across the country have reported an increase in referrals. This is a harsh reality we face every day and unfortunately the situation is only getting worse.
Let the history of Scrabble remind us that we must do better for our closest furry friends.
The dog’s name is Scrabble.
Portrait of a wild dog on a blue leash
This adorable and adorable puppy named Scrabble was adopted less than 72 hours ago and then returned to Schultz’s Inn, a dog shelter in Dedham, Massachusetts.
But his heartbreaking story doesn’t start here. Scrabble was actually a Tennessee resident who was euthanized. Fortunately, he was rescued from that shelter and taken north to the Schultz Hotel.
“He was in a high kill shelter with his brother Checkers. Our foster carers in the south keep a close eye on euthanasia lists and pull dogs that they see have the opportunity to live a better life and be adopted out through our shelter,” Merrill Fortier from the Schultz’s Guest House told Newsweek magazine.
Unfortunately, Fortier reports that the situation in Tennessee is not good and they are actually rescuing many dogs from high-kill shelters and off the streets.
But, it’s not only Tennessee – this is a growing problem for many shelters around the country.
According to the Pet Adoption Statistics, published by the ASPCA, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to shelters across the USA each year.
Although shelters are dedicated to finding the perfect forever home for each pet in their care, carefully vetting all of their applicants, the returns still happen often.
Fortier said that she has seen pets being returned anywhere between 24 hours, two weeks, and even years after adoption.
In most cases, pets are returned for unjustifiable reasons.
Scrabble, for example, was returned because he was “too much” for his new family.
After being almost euthanized at seven months old, boarded in rescue, transported north, and living as the shelter guest, Scrabble wasn’t even given a proper chance by his “new family”.
Happy Tails Scrabble
“All of our adoption coordinators reiterate these aspects prior to adopting, that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment, but the excitement of bringing home a cute new puppy sometimes outweighs the rationale,” Fortier said.
All rescue dogs, especially Scrabble, experience a lot of change in a short period of time, and they just need love and time to decompress and get used to their new environment.
Read more: The 3-3-3 Rule Will Help Your Dog Adapt Into A New Home Faster
View this post on Instagram
“The first few days in a home are tough. They need time to decompress and settle into a new environment. On top of that, puppies are a time commitment. They are active, they need training, they need patience. Scrabble didn’t even get a chance,” the shelter wrote in their Facebook post.
The 7-month-old baby was the victim of irresponsible owners, but he still had so much to offer.
While his brother was already enjoying life at his forever home, Scrabble was hoping for another shot at happiness.
“He’s one of the most affectionate dogs we’ve encountered in a while. He’s curious and intelligent and is bound to be a very loyal companion. This 7-month-old baby is hoping for another shot. Could you commit to this loving boy?” the shelter said in a post that quickly went viral.
Scrabble’s story made quite the splash on social media, thankfully so, because his new parents were able to hear about him and absolutely fall in love with this beautiful boy.
Scrabble was adopted, hopefully now, forever.
“Scrabble (now Timmy) is heading to North Attleboro where he will have lots of land to roam and two kitty siblings. He’ll be walking 4 miles a day with dad. He’s already settling in beautifully and will have a long happy life with his new loving family!” the shelter wrote.
Scrabble (Timmy), you deserve nothing short of a long life full of happiness. Hopefully, your new family will be able to erase all the trauma you’ve experienced.
