I read a heartbreaking story in my local news today about a woman who lost her Shih Tzu and found him a week later at the pound – with an “Adopted” sign on his cage!

The shelter felt terrible. They called the adoptor to explain, and said she understood and agreed to return ownership of the dog back to its original owner.  But then minutes later, called back saying she’d changed her mind!  She’d already paid the adoption fee and signed the papers, so legally the dog was hers. Despite offers of refunds and free replacement by the shelter, and money from the original owner, she will not give the dog back. She claims that since the dog was lost in the first place, it will be better off with her.

As someone who got my dog when he was full grown–from someone who found him wandering the streets–I wonder all the time about his life before me. I have so many questions about so many of his quirks. Sometimes I wonder if I even really know him. If there is someone out there who knows all the deep, dark, joyous events that ever happened to him. If there is a wonderful trick I’ve never seen him do because I’ve never known the magic command. If he’s unhappy because we don’t share the same bond as he did with his past owner.

I try to make myself feel better with the words of Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer: “dogs live in the moment.” But humans do not. I feel terrible that this woman can’t see how a few weeks or months down the line, especially after she really forms a bond with this Shih Tzu, she might realize the love she took away from his previous owner and feel remorse. I can’t imagine how she can look the young girl in the eye (although they’ve probably only spoken by phone) and not understand the love that grows between humans and their dogs…or understand it and not submit to it. She has no history with Gizmo and could find herself another dog, one who is truly unwanted, and create a wonderful, new bond of lasting love.

Click here to read the full news article. I sincerely hope the adoptor changes her mind, and so do most of those who posted comments there.