A French bulldog who finally found a home when his brutally-honest adoption post went viral has been returned to the shelter after less than two weeks.
‘Fire-breathing demon’ Ralphie was adopted from Niagara SPCA in Niagara County, New York, earlier this month but his re-homing was short-lived.
The shelter revealed that ‘while the adopter had the right household dynamic, Ralphie proved to be more than she could handle.’
But, rather than losing hope in the problem pooch, the organization is now enrolling him on a six-week behavioral course costing $6,000.
‘Fire-breathing demon’ Ralphie was adopted from Niagara SPCA in Niagara County, New York, earlier this month but his re-homing was short-lived
The shelter revealed that ‘while the adopter had the right household dynamic, Ralphie proved to be more than she could handle’
Posting an update on Ralphie’s situation to its Facebook page on Tuesday, Niagara SPCA revealed that he had been returned to the shelter, but praised the adopter for making the right decision.
It joked: ‘There were some bad choices made by both, but they parted ways amicably… She now understands that Ralphie IS that good-looking bad boy everyone’s mama warns them about.’
But the update also promised that the organization had not given up on him, adding: ‘While it is unfortunate that he is back to square one, we’re committed to helping him.’
Ralphie is now enrolled in an ‘intensive six-week’ program with a trainer from YourEveryDayK9, based in Grand Island.
And dozens of social media users were quick to comment on the latest update.
One wrote: ‘I’m so sad to hear this. The last time I saw a post, I thought the adopter was pleased as punch.’
Another added: ‘I’m was really hoping the last adopter worked out! Good luck Ralphie! Or should I be saying Good luck with Ralphie. Thank you for not giving up on him.’
And a third said: ‘Sweet sweet Ralphie. So sad it didn’t work out but so happy you’re not giving up on him.’
Ralphie is now enrolled in an ‘intensive six-week’ program with a trainer from YourEveryDayK9, based in Grand Island
And dozens of social media users were quick to comment on the latest update about Ralphie’s status
Ralphie shot to fame last month after becoming the subject of a viral Facebook post advertising his adoption status.
The Niagara SPCA described him as a ‘fire-breathing dragon’ who is not exactly ‘man’s best friend.’
‘Ralphie is a terror in a somewhat small package. What could go wrong with a 26lb dog, right? We’re sure you’re thinking: my ankles will be just fine. We’d caution- proceed at your own risk,’ the nonprofit animal agency wrote.
According to the post, Ralphie is best suited for a home with the ‘Mother of Dragons’ or any adult home with no other animals.
The post caught the attention of thousands of Facebook users who were stopped in their tracks when the agency said it could not ‘sugar coat’ the animal’s demeanor.
‘We don’t actually have too many nice things to say so we’re just going to come out with it,’ the post from the Niagara SPCA read.
It stated that one may look at the pup and think he looks sweet and innocent, but that it is simply not true.
‘At first glance, he’s an adorable highly sought-after, young dog. People should be banging down our doors for him. We promise you, that won’t be the case,’ it read.
The nonprofit said Ralphie seems to think boundaries and rules do not apply to him and that his ‘cute face got him whatever he wanted’ in his first home.
The Niagara SPCA said his relationship with the first owner was ‘built on the premise that Ralphie was the boss.’
Ralphie was taken to board and train but was eventually rehomed.
But, rather than losing hope in the problem pooch, the Niagara SPCA is now enrolling him on a six-week behavioral course costing $6,000
The Niagara SPCA described him as a ‘fire-breathing dragon’ who is not exactly ‘man’s best friend’
In his second placement, the French bulldog was brought to the shelter because he was not getting along with the other dog in the family home.
‘Two weeks into this new home and he was surrendered to us because “annoys our older dog,”‘ the nonprofit wrote in the post.
‘What they actually meant was: Ralphie is a fire-breathing demon and will eat our dog, but hey, he’s only 26lbs,’ it continued.
Where other animal agencies may have called it a day, the Niagara SPCA continued and doubled down on its not-so-positive depiction.
‘Lots of people withheld Ralphie’s less-than-desirable traits, but we’re going to tell you all about it. He’s a whole jerk- not even half. Everything belongs to him,’ it wrote.
‘If you dare test his ability to possess THE things, wrath will ensue. If you show a moment of weakness, prepare to be exploited. Sounds fun, huh?’ the agency continued.
‘The ideal home for Ralphie is the Mother of Dragons, or an adult home free of other animals, with an owner who will lead him calmly and sternly- putting up with zero crap,’ it wrote.
The original post received more than 3,700 likes and thousands of shares.
The animal shelter will be looking to re-home Ralphie following his training course.
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