Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Tears When Dog Adopted After 3 Years In Shelter Is Returned Within Hours

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| August 6, 2024

Sora, a black Labrador-Pitbull mix, first came to Valley Animal Center, the largest no-kill shelter and adoption center in Fresno, California, nearly four years ago when her previous owner surrendered her. Since then, Sora has unfortunately not caught the eye of any potential adopters. Recently, it appeared Sora was about to find her forever home. The shelter staff was thrilled when she was adopted, but their joy turned to disappointment when she was returned in less than a day. The Valley Animal Center explained that Sora had been given up in July 2021 because her previous owner couldn’t provide the attention and training she needed.

jjack.iie/TikTok

“Sora is a sweet pup with great energy. She is a perfect fit for any household with an active lifestyle. Sora is the dog you want to take on long walks or bike rides; trust us, she can keep up. Unfortunately, Sora has been in a kennel for almost 4 years,” the shelter shared in a Facebook post. Despite her loving nature, Sora had spent nearly four years at the shelter without much interest from potential adopters.

@jjack.iie Sora needs a second chance #fyp #fypシ #fypage #dogsoftiktok #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #thedodo #doglove #sos #rescue #dogs #fypツ #dogfyp #saveadog #grwm #dogsvideo #dogtok ♬ DadSocial – Mason Smith

The excitement was palpable when someone expressed interest in adopting her. Sora thought she had finally found her forever home, but her new beginning was abruptly cut short. The day after she was adopted, the new owner contacted the shelter to return her. She wasn’t in the home long enough to decompress and show her true colors. This was devastating for Sora, who had already spent over 900 days in a kennel.

jjack.iie/TikTok

Despite the setback, the shelter remains optimistic that a suitable adopter will come along to mend her broken heart and offer her a joyful life. The reality of shelter life is far from ideal, lacking the warmth and stability that a loving family could provide. Despite the staff’s best efforts to engage the dogs physically and emotionally, it often falls short.

Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges
Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges

Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!

Nearly four years in the shelter have impacted Sora, leading to anxious behaviors. Yet, she remains a beautiful, loving dog deserving of a second chance. Sora continues to wait for a forever home and someone who will love and cherish her unconditionally, importantly, someone who will never give up on her. She thrives with humans and children over five but needs to be the only pet in a home where her new family is committed to further training and care.

UPDATE: Sora has officially found her forever home! She is now living in Texas with a wonderful family who will never give up on her!

Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member