Hearts Break Over the Reason Dog Returned to Shelter Weeks After Adoption

A 1-year-old pit bull terrier mix is once again searching for her forever home after being returned to the shelter.

Polly is currently at Benton Franklin Humane Society after just a brief stint in what was hoped to be her forever home.

She first arrived at the Pasco shelter as a stray before finding her way to the Washington state based humane society.

Her endearing personality and playful nature drew adopters to her, but after only a couple of weeks in a new home Polly was returned, leaving staff and volunteers heartbroken for her.

Julie Saraceno, a shelter volunteer, explained that Polly's return was prompted by a compatibility issue with the family's resident cats. Despite their best efforts, Polly struggled to find harmony with her new housemates and as a result has found herself back at the shelter.

"People always ask a ton of questions about her and want to meet her," Saraceno told Newsweek. "But it's tough when you have to be an only pet. Most pet lovers already have a dog or a cat in their home."

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

The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. 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.

Polly's ideal home, Saraceno explained, would be one where she is the only pet and can be the center of her new family's attention.

A brachycephalic breed, she also requires an owner who is prepared to tackle the unique challenges associated with dogs that have shorter heads and flat faces, including potential breathing issues.

Despite her temporary setback, Polly seems to be adapting well to shelter life. "She does pretty well with shelter life," Saraceno said. "Like any dog, I think she doesn't love how noisy it gets. And she really comes to life when she's outside her kennel. She loves to run around and play, and she particularly enjoys her back being scratched."

Saraceno shared Polly's story on TikTok where people have been equally heartbroken to see her return to the shelter.

"I hope she finds her forever family soon," said one commenter. While another TikToker wrote: "Polly is so sweet! She deserves a loving and patient home."

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