Hearts Break as Dog Returned to Shelter Where He Was Adopted 10 Years Ago

Ten years after a puppy was adopted from Seattle Humane, he has returned there in his senior age, waiting once again to be picked up by a forever family to live out his golden years.

Toby is a Labrador retriever mix who was originally brought to the Seattle shelter as a puppy from Central Washington through its Lifesaver Rescue transfer program. But it did not take long for Toby to find a home. He was adopted in just six days.

Brandon Macz, PR and social media specialist for Seattle Humane, told Newsweek that two-thirds of the shelter's pet population is taken from overcrowded shelters in Washington state and across the country.

For the past 10 years, Toby has been living life to the fullest. But his owner, 83, was struggling to take care of him, which is why the heartbreaking day came for Toby's return to the shelter.

He was surrendered to Seattle Humane on May 31 and so far has not been adopted.

"Toby has a lot of staff and volunteer fans here who are rooting for him," said Macz. "He has had some short foster breaks since arriving here."

Toby usually warms up more quickly with men, which is the opposite of what the staff typically sees at Seattle Humane. He enjoys walks with his emotional-support stuffed animal toys, as well as lounging next to people.

He has received some interest, but that has yet to lead to a new home. The reason for this might be his age. Macz said that Toby is a big senior dog with some problems common to older dogs and that not everyone wants to take on the responsibility.

"People who have experience with senior pets know that they are very loving, calmer, have more training under their collars and firmly established personalities that are less likely to change over time, unlike younger pets," said Macz.

Shelter Numbers

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, for 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, 24Petwatch's Shelter Watch Report found.

About 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.

As for senior animals, they usually spend a longer time in animal shelters because most adopters seek younger pets. Senior dogs have a 25 percent adoption rate, compared with the 60 percent rate for younger dogs and puppies, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says.

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