Dog's Up for Adoption Foster & Adopt
This Rhodesian Ridgeback Was Returned to Shelter AGAIN: Financial Crisis Triggers Heartbreaking Return
June Jasper
|
For Roxy, a 9-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter has become an unfortunate second home. The dog finds herself back behind the shelter’s gates, not as a stray this time, but as a returned former resident after spending four years in what was supposed to be her forever home.
Adopted in 2017 after found wandering the streets, Roxy had been given a second chance at a loving family. Tragically, circumstances took a turn that proved too difficult for her owner to continue caring for the loyal canine companion.
“It’s always heartbreaking when a dog comes back after being adopted into a seemingly perfect home situation,” said shelter manager Hilary Flanagan. “But Roxy’s case, while devastating, is becoming more prevalent.”
Familiar Faces
At first, Roxy was depressed and confused. “Luckily, many of her old buddies still volunteer at the shelter and she has warmed back up again with familiar faces,” Flanagan explained.
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter staff also takes care to be extra compassionate with returned pets. “Without the attention and care she has received from the Shelter Staff and her buddies this would be another sad story of a shutdown dog returned to a shelter,” said Flanagan.
Shelter Rates are Rising
Unfortunately, stories like Roxy’s are becoming more and more common as the high cost of living in the United States is leading more and more people to surrender their pets. Since 2021, the number of animals entering shelters has been rising, as the amount of adoptions hasn’t kept pace with the amount of dogs entering shelters. Higher pet care costs and housing insecurity is to blame. Some people are unable to keep their pets after losing their homes or downsizing – particularly people with larger dogs.
Trust Issues
Being adopted and returned can be a traumatic experience. “Pets that have been adopted and then returned to the shelter may experience feelings of abandonment, confusion, and fear. This can make it difficult for the animal to trust humans and may affect their future behavior,” said Flanagan.
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter takes care to make sure pets are placed in a loving home. However, the shelter asks that adopters return their pets to the shelter if something happens that makes them unable to care for their cat or dog. “We are there for them for their whole life,” says Flanagan.
Meet Roxy
Roxy is back up for adoption, and is hoping to find her forever home. Because Roxy has been in and out of the shelter system, she’s looking for a home that will help her decompress. An adult, low-traffic home would be an ideal place for Roxy to grow.
“She is extremely affectionate with people she trusts,” says Flanagan. She’s also been friendly with strangers since being back in the shelter. While Roxy has been protective of her home, Flanagan says she does not have guarding issues.
A Wiggle-Butt
According to Flanagan, “She has mellowed with her age and does also enjoy her relaxation time either in a nice fluffy bed (which she has at the shelter) or just sitting outside.” Roxy enjoys being pet and loves getting scratched behind her ears. She also loves long walks, and walks well on a leash.
Even though Roxy has been through a lot, she’s still quite playful and full of spunk! “Overall, she is described as a wiggle-but!” says Flanagan.
For information on how to foster or adopt Roxy, contact The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter T: 516.785.5220 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]
