Tears as Sweet Lab Is Returned to the Shelter After Two Years in a Home

Lucky’s name fits him, but his story still stings. On December 19, 2025, this four-year-old Labrador Retriever mix was returned to the shelter after being adopted back in early 2023. For a dog who knew home life, routines, and sleeping beside his person, being back in a kennel is a heartbreaking shift.

The good news? Lucky remembers exactly how to be a great family dog.

His former owner left thoughtful notes that paint a clear picture of who Lucky is. He is housebroken, crate trained, leash trained, and good with kids and other dogs. Cats are an unknown, but dogs? He is currently kenneled with another pup and doing just fine. Lucky even used to sleep in bed with his owner, which says everything about how trusted and loved he once was.

Shelter dog walkers describe Lucky as friendly, sweet, and full of good energy. He is well behaved, loves being petted, and absolutely thrives on attention. In his kennel, he can get a little jumpy, excitement bubbling over. But once outside, he settles in and walks nicely on leash, ready to focus and explore.

Lucky is also a smart guy. He knows how to sit and shake on cue and clearly enjoys engaging with people. At 76 to 100 pounds, he is a big, sturdy boy with a sleek black coat and bright brown eyes that make it impossible not to smile back at him. Truly, he is a giant teddy bear in dog form.

What makes Lucky special is how ready he is to slide right back into family life. He already knows the rules. He already knows how to love. He just needs someone willing to make this next chapter the last one.

Lucky is currently at Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar, California.
ID #631194

AFV may be able to accommodate out-of-area adoptions with transport in many circumstances. If you are interested, contact Phil at facility@afv.org.

Lucky has done the hard part before. Now he is hoping his true forever family finds him and never lets him go again.

Lorna Paxton Ladd