Living in a shelter is never easy.
Even with the most dedicated staff and loving volunteers, nothing can replace the warmth of a real home. Every animal that finds itself in a shelter shares the same dream—to be adopted by a family that will love them forever.
For Echo, a sweet and energetic pup, that dream has been shattered four times.
“Is There Something Wrong With Me?”
When Echo first arrived at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, he was just a tiny puppy. Shelter staff were confident that he would be adopted quickly—and they were right.
Just a few days later, a family took him home, and it seemed like his story would have a happy ending. But, sadly, his journey was far from over.
After some time, Echo was returned to the shelter, confused and heartbroken. Then it happened again… and again… and again—a total of four times.
The most devastating part? The reason why his families kept giving him up.
“But each family has stated that they do not have the time to train him or exercise him.”
“Echo is a young high-energy dog, and we explained to each family he will require a lot of enrichment and exercise, walks, and trips to the dog park,” said Ruben Whitney-Cantu, the shelter’s adoption supervisor, in an interview with Newsweek.
“But each family has stated that they do not have the time to train him or exercise him.”
Echo’s Unfair Rejections
Each time Echo was adopted, his time with his new family ended in disappointment:
Adoption #1: Lasted 8 months before he was returned.
Adoption #2: Lasted 10 months before he was brought back.
Adoption #3: Lasted only a few days—he was returned because he used the bathroom on the concrete instead of the grass.
Adoption #4: Lasted 10 months, but his owners said they couldn’t handle his energy.
But the truth is, Echo is not a bad dog—he’s just misunderstood.
“He is great with other dogs, has lived in a home with children, great on leash and in the car for rides.”
“Echo has such a wonderful personality; everybody he meets is like he is seeing his best friend, even if he has never met that person,” Whitney-Cantu said.
Looking for a True Forever Home
After so much back and forth, Echo is struggling emotionally.
He has started barking from stress, and whenever someone walks up to his kennel, he flinches in fear—despite the fact that he loves people once he’s outside.
The shelter staff are doing everything they can to help him recover from his trauma and find the home he truly deserves.
“Echo is not a perfect dog, but with a little work, effort, and commitment, he will make a great friend and pet to someone out there.”
“Echo is not a perfect dog, but with a little work, effort, and commitment, he will make a great friend and pet to someone out there.”
Could that someone be you?
If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will shower you with unconditional love, Echo is waiting for you.
Contact Valley Animal Center today and be the one to show Echo that he is worthy of love, patience, and a forever home.