Living in a shelter is far from easy, even when surrounded by dedicated staff and volunteers doing everything they can to ensure comfort. Despite their best efforts, sometimes it just isn’t enough.
Many animals find themselves in shelters, each one harboring the same deep wish – to be adopted by a loving family. All they want is the companionship of a human they can call their own, whether that means playing, running around, or simply resting together on the couch.
Unfortunately, Echo has dreamed of this for far too long.
Why Hasn’t Anyone Chosen Me?
When a sweet puppy named Echo first arrived at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, he was just a small puppy. Shelters know that puppies tend to find homes quickly, and the staff expected his stay to be brief.
And they were right.
Within just a couple of days, a family completed his adoption paperwork, and he was off to his new home. Unfortunately, his story didn’t end there. After a while, he was returned to the shelter, confused as to why the family no longer wanted him.
This cycle happened three more times, each time leaving Echo wondering what went wrong. The heartbreaking part is the reason why he was returned.
“Echo is a young, high-energy dog, and we explained to each family that he will need lots of exercise, walks, enrichment, and trips to the dog park. Yet, each family said they did not have the time to train him or exercise him,” said Ruben Whitney-Cantu, animal care adoption supervisor, in an interview.
Whitney-Cantu shared that Echo’s first adoption lasted just eight months, while the second lasted ten months. Tragically, his third adoption was only a couple of days long because he was returned after he made a mess on concrete instead of grass.
His last adoption lasted only ten months.
Although his previous owners gave him time to adjust, they just couldn’t handle him. He had “too much energy,” and they couldn’t find the time to train him.
“Echo has such a wonderful personality. He greets everyone like he’s seeing an old friend, even if he’s never met them before. He’s great with other dogs, has lived with children, and is wonderful on a leash and in the car,” said Whitney-Cantu.
Echo Needs a Loving Home
After moving between homes and the shelter so many times, Echo is struggling.
He started barking from stress, and whenever someone approached his kennel, he would shrink away in fear. This is particularly startling, given how much he enjoys spending time with people outside the shelter.
The staff at the shelter is doing everything they can to help Echo overcome his trauma and find a home where he can finally feel comfortable.
“Echo is such a friendly dog. There aren’t many barriers for his next home. While he’s not perfect, with a little time, effort, and commitment, he will become a loyal and loving companion,” she added.
If you believe you could offer Echo a home where he can truly be himself, please reach out to the shelter for more details.
Be the one to show this sweet pup the love he deserves.
