Enthusiastic Shelter Dog Adopted and Returned Twice for Being ‘Too Playful’

Enthusiastic Shelter Dog Finds Forever Home After Being Returned Twice for Being ‘Too Playful’

A heartwarming story emerged from a North Carolina shelter as a playful dog named DJ finally found his forever home after being returned twice by previous owners for his exuberant energy levels.

The SPCA of Wake County shared DJ’s story in a Facebook post on June 17, revealing that the spirited pup was in need of new owners following his second return to the shelter in Raleigh. Despite his endearing personality, DJ’s high energy and enthusiastic play style did not mesh well with the calmer environment of his previous homes.

Described as “goofy” and “high-energy” by the shelter, DJ’s eagerness to make friends often translated into too much excitement for his fellow furry companions. While his playful nature may not be suitable for everyone, the shelter remained determined to find the perfect match for DJ, who was estimated to be around one year old.

Upon his arrival at the shelter on June 5, DJ quickly captured the hearts of potential adopters with his love for splashing around in the pool. However, his first adoption ended swiftly as his energy proved too much for his initial owners to handle, leading to his prompt return to the shelter.

Despite a second adoption attempt, DJ was once again back at the shelter after just two days, as his playful attempts to befriend the household cats were not well-received. It became evident that DJ needed a special kind of home that could cater to his lively personality and provide him with the attention and activity he craved.

In response to DJ’s needs, the shelter decided to introduce him to a medication called trazodone, which helped alleviate his anxiety and channel his exuberance in a positive way. The medication transformed DJ into a happy and playful fellow, making him more adaptable to a household setting.

Following the shelter’s heartfelt plea for DJ to find a suitable forever home, an animal lover came forward to adopt the charming canine, renaming him Nova in the process. Nova’s new family understood his previous challenges and eagerly welcomed him into their home, where he now enjoys the company of three other canine companions.

The resilience and spirit of DJ, now Nova, serve as a reminder of the importance of patience and understanding when welcoming a new pet into one’s home. Despite facing setbacks, this playful dog has finally found a loving family that appreciates him for who he is and provides the perfect environment for him to thrive.

As DJ embarks on this new chapter in his life as Nova, the staff at the SPCA of Wake County remains hopeful that his third adoption will truly be a charm, showcasing the power of second chances and the unconditional love that shelter animals have to offer.