Adopting a dog from a shelter is a huge responsibility. Many families want to help dogs in need and take in shelter dogs. All these dogs want is a loving home and a comfortable environment where they feel safe. They deserve that luxury!
Some families don’t fully understand that a huge factor in the adoption process is the reality that many shelter dogs don’t fully come out of their shells until you expose them to their new home.
Benji, a 4-year-old shelter dog, was a favorite among the shelter staff. He was happy, and always full of energy. With his good reputation and loving personality, it took staff members by surprise to see Benji get adopted and returned seven times by seven different families.
When the families returned Benji, they gave little to no explanation as to why they felt the need to bring him back. Families would fall in love with Benji visiting him at the shelter. He loved to play, and he loved all the affection and attention he got. After a family would take him home, Benji was always back at the shelter three to four weeks later.
To help understand the reasons behind Benji’s failed adoptions, a student named Clara, who worked at the shelter, volunteered to take him home and study his behaviors.
Once Clara brought Benji home she opened up his kennel and left the room to allow him to get used to his new surroundings on his own. Benji slowly started to leave his safe space and explore.
When Clara heard Benji yapping and running around in the room she left him in, she opened the door while being followed by her dog and cat. That is when Clara discovered the other side of Benji.
Benji started to snarl and growl at her dog and cat. Attempting to keep the peace, Clara got her animals away from Benji. As soon as she did, Benji was back to his normal self. That was the moment Clara discovered the potential reason why Benji kept getting returned to the shelter by families.
To see what happens with Clara and Benji, click on the video!
