An animal rescue’s day immediately started “crashing down” after it received devastating news about a dog surrender despite the positive text they got from the adopter 12 hours earlier.
Wet Noses Rescue, an animal shelter with operations in Mexico and California, was thrilled to hear about Polo, a dog that the group spent two years nurturing, healing and rehabilitating physically and emotionally. Polo was finally living his best life with his adopter. The dog’s owner texted the rescue a picture of the two hiking in the mountains of Colorado. However, 12 hours later, everything changed.
The adopter dropped Polo off at a Colorado shelter in the middle of the night without a word. Because Wet Noses Rescue was still listed on his microchip, it received the heartbreaking news the next morning.
Confused by this sudden change of heart, the rescue shared Polo’s story in an October 23 TikTok video. Part of the caption reads: “They left him outside in the cold, alone, in a night drop box at the shelter. After blocking us on all communication channels—no calls, no texts, no emails—nothing—they simply cut off all ties. We have no explanation, no answers.”
Wet Noses then spent the rest of that heartbreaking day working with the Colorado shelter to get Polo back into their care. The caption explained that the rescue needed to prove it had the rights to home Polo again. Soon enough, the dog was safe and in Wet Noses’ care again; however, it was back to square one with finding his forever family.
Photos of Polo, the white pointer mix, who was surrendered by his adopter. A rescue received the heartbreaking call about his surrender 12 hours after a positive update from the adopter.
@wetnosesrescue/TikTok
Gutted by the news, viewers took to the comment section with hopes of boosting Polo’s chances of getting a new forever family.
“He’s too adorable. Thank you for the rescue. He has a lot of love & joy to give. Just look at him!” said one viewer.
Another added: “Poor sweet boy. I’m so glad you were able to get him back.”
A third person wrote: “Polo, you deserve so much better! Let’s find you a true forever home sweet baby.”
And, thankfully, the power of social media worked. The rescue posted an update on Polo last week with a happy ending—he’s been adopted and happily soaking up the Southern California sunshine with his new family and doggy sibling.
“He’s doing AMAZING in his forever home now,” Wet Noses told Newsweek via TikTok.
Alternatives to Pet Surrender
Wet Noses Rescue felt especially devastated by Polo’s surrender because the rescue offers support and will always take an animal back if it isn’t working out. Other shelters and rescues will also want to help and avoid an owner surrender if possible. They might donate food items if someone is unable to cover that cost.
If the surrender is due to an animal’s behavior, PetMD recommends reaching out to pet shelters and national organizations like the ASPCA to talk on behavior hotlines. They might be able to help pay for training and behavioral issues. Veterinarian social workers are also available to help someone navigate the emotional decision of pet surrendering.
Correction 11/14/24, 7:18 p.m.: The name of the rescue group has been corrected to Wet Noses Rescue.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
