When a canine is returned to a shelter, the explanations are sometimes heartbreaking. However few are as stunning because the story of Roxxie, a five-year-old pit bull who was despatched again to the Huntington County Humane Society in Indiana for being “too affectionate.” Her solely fault? Desirous to snuggle in mattress at night time. This uncommon motive for give up captured nationwide consideration and provided a recent have a look at the misunderstood nature of pit bulls, whereas additionally highlighting the deep emotional lives of shelter animals.
Roxxie had been adopted by a household who appeared, at first, to be a very good match. Nevertheless, simply two weeks after she left the shelter, she was returned. In line with Katy Hudson, board president of the Huntington County Humane Society, the adopters merely didn’t wish to cope with a canine who wished to cuddle. “Roxxie wished to snuggle in mattress at night time, and so they simply didn’t wish to cope with that,” Hudson informed The Dodo. The shelter even provided to assist practice Roxxie to remain away from bed, however the household declined.
This motive for give up was not solely unusual—it was deeply complicated for the shelter employees. “We’ve heard virtually each motive beneath the solar for why animals get surrendered to us,” Hudson defined, “however for a pet to be returned for being overly affectionate and clingy isn’t one thing we have come throughout earlier than.” I discovered this element putting, not simply due to its rarity, however as a result of it speaks volumes in regards to the expectations some folks have when adopting a pet.
For Roxxie, the sudden return to shelter life was devastating. She withdrew emotionally and bodily, curling up in her kennel and avoiding interplay. “She was simply damaged,” Hudson stated. “She was not her ordinary happy-go-lucky self.” It was a stark distinction to the loving, sociable canine the employees had come to know.
As soon as Roxxie’s story was shared on the shelter’s social media, the response was overwhelming. Messages and telephone calls poured in from throughout the nation. Her story resonated with many, not solely due to the emotional impression but in addition as a result of it challenged stereotypes. Pit bulls are sometimes unfairly labeled as aggressive, however Roxxie’s mild, affectionate nature helped present that canine of all breeds can have a variety of personalities. As Hudson famous, “It helped to teach people who pit bulls are available in all completely different character kinds, and it’s a spectrum, identical to with each different breed.”
Among the many dozens of functions the shelter acquired, one stood out: the Chase household from Illinois. That they had not too long ago misplaced their beloved canine, Lucy, and had been lastly able to open their hearts once more. Roxxie reminded them of Lucy, who had additionally beloved to cuddle in mattress. The Chases, who already had six rescue cats, made the three-hour drive to fulfill Roxxie in particular person.
Hudson described the Chases as a household “absolutely invested of their animals,” and it rapidly grew to become clear that they had been the best match. The shelter even organized a particular sendoff for Roxxie the subsequent day. Employees members lined up outdoors to cheer her on as she trotted out the door with a giant smile, prepared for her new starting. She jumped eagerly into the household’s van, revealing one other one among her favourite issues: automobile rides.
In her new house, Roxxie was given a reputation that mirrored her recent begin and loving character: Woman Olivia Huntington, or “Livvie” for brief. Her new mother, Jessica Chase, shared that the very first thing Livvie did when she arrived was hop onto the mattress and snuggle—precisely the conduct that led to her being returned. However this time, it was welcomed with open arms. “I don’t assume a canine might be too affectionate,” Chase stated. “I like how a lot she loves us.”
Livvie rapidly bonded with the complete household, particularly the Chases’ 12-year-old twin daughters, Annaliese and Kirsten. She now greets them on the door every day after faculty, able to play and cuddle. “They arrive in and snuggle together with her, and she or he licks them, and so they giggle. It’s actually candy,” Chase shared.
For Livvie, the transition from heartbreak to happiness was swift and profound. She now sleeps peacefully together with her new household every night time, her affectionate nature now not seen as a flaw however as one among her most adorable qualities. Her story didn’t simply change her personal life—it had a ripple impact. In line with Hudson, fifteen different canine had been adopted from the shelter because of the eye Livvie’s story acquired.
This uplifting story serves as a reminder that affectionate shelter canine like Livvie have a lot love to provide. For these looking for a loyal, loving companion, shelters stay a strong place to seek out not only a pet, however a brand new member of the family. As Hudson put it, “There are many affectionate shelter canine who’ve a lot love to provide.”
