Duke, a laid-back lab mix, was given up by his previous family who felt his mellow demeanor didn’t match their active lifestyle. According to a Facebook post from The Animal Foundation, the family described Duke as “boring,” claiming he spent most of his time sleeping and didn’t greet them with much enthusiasm.“His constant napping made him the wrong fit for his last family,” the shelter noted.
A quick turnaround
But Duke’s story took a turn for the better in just a matter of hours. After the shelter posted about Duke’s return, a kind-hearted woman arrived to offer him a foster home. Kelsey Pizzi, a spokesperson for The Animal Foundation, was quoted by USA Today as saying, Duke was “just relaxing the whole time” when she visited him at his new temporary home. “He seems to be in heaven, enjoying his favorite pastime—napping.”
A new lease on life
Duke first came to The Animal Foundation on June 23 after being found wandering a neighborhood. Adopted just a few weeks later, he was brought back to the shelter after his previous family realized his chill vibes didn’t align with their lifestyle. Despite the setback, Duke’s charm won over his new foster, who appreciates his low-key personality.
Pizzi remarked, “Duke enjoys his treats, especially pepperoni, and walks well on a leash. He’s likely potty-trained and waits until he can go outside.” She highlighted that larger dogs like Duke often face a tougher time finding homes compared to smaller or younger dogs.
The realities of adoption
Pizzi acknowledged that about 5% of adopted animals end up being returned. “It’s part of the process,” she said. “We’re here to support families and ensure that every animal finds the right fit.”
The Animal Foundation, one of the nation’s largest shelters, has taken in about 13,000 animals this year alone. With almost 675 animals currently in their care, including dogs, cats, and more, Pizzi noted that larger dogs can take longer to find forever homes.
For now, Duke is thriving in his foster home, enjoying the peace and quiet he loves. His story is a reminder that sometimes, a dog’s perfect match is just around the corner, waiting to appreciate their unique charm.