AssetID: 55975901
Headline: Dog returned to rescue just 24 hours after finding ‘forever home’ – despite being ‘perfect’
Caption: A rescue dog who thought he had finally found his forever home was returned to kennels less than 24 hours later – after his new owners decided they simply “didn’t want a dog anymore”. Titan, aged one, had been patiently waiting at Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull for someone to give him a chance. Staff were delighted when a family chose to adopt the energetic youngster and take him home. And everything appeared to be going brilliantly. When rescue workers checked in the following morning, Titan’s new owners said he had settled in remarkably well. They reported that he had not barked once, had slept soundly from 10pm until 6am and was “so playful”. He had shown no signs of being shy or frightened, behaved while the family ate and had not begged for food. Their verdict was simple: “He is lovely.” Relieved that Titan appeared to have found his happy ending, staff turned their attention to the other dogs still waiting for homes. But just three hours later, they received an unexpected message. It read: “Can you call me urgent please.” Fearing something had gone wrong, the rescue immediately contacted the family. Instead, they were told: “We don’t want a dog anymore.” Staff asked whether Titan had done something to prompt the sudden change of heart. The answer was no. His adopters said there was “nothing” wrong with his behaviour and that Titan had been “perfect”. They had simply decided they no longer wanted the responsibility of owning a dog. Less than 24 hours after leaving the rescue for what staff hoped would be the last time, Titan was heading back to the kennels. The charity said it questioned the family again to make sure nothing had happened. They replied: “Absolutely nothing. Titan has done nothing at all wrong. It’s all us. We just don’t want a dog.” Staff say Titan is now understandably “bewildered” and “confused” after being taken away from the people he had only just started to trust. His experience has prompted the rescue to urge prospective owners to think carefully about the commitment involved before adopting. The charity said: “A dog isn’t something you try out and return when you decide that the responsibility isn’t quite what you expected. “They are a commitment. They are a family member. And they have feelings. “Titan deserved to feel wanted. He deserved to feel safe.” Despite his false start, staff are now hoping the right family will come forward and give Titan the permanent home he needs. The lively youngster will need active owners who can provide plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. He has never previously lived in a home or been completely alone, meaning any periods left by himself will need to be introduced gradually. Titan is also still learning the basics. Staff have been working on his lead training and say he is making good progress and enjoys getting out to explore. But his new owners will need to be patient and prepared to continue his basic training as he adjusts to family life. Titan can be selective about other dogs and can become boisterous around those he does not know. He tends to prefer female dogs and has several canine friends at the rescue. Staff believe he could potentially share his new home with a suitably matched female dog, although he would also be happy as the only pet. He has not yet been tested around cats. What Titan needs most, his rescuers say, is an active and patient family prepared to give him the companionship, training and time he needs – and, this time, a home that really is forever. Anyone serious about adopting Titan can apply through Oakwood Dog Rescue via https://oakwooddogrescue.co.uk.
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