03/10/2026
Frustrated is the best way to describe how we are currently feeling.
After not even 48hrs, Gem has been returned to our care. We are blatantly honest when adopting out any animal, and Gem was no exception. We never want to send an animal home to a family who is not comfortable or capable working with certain issues. This does no good to the family, us, or the animal when they eventually get returned all confused on what they did wrong.
The family stated although she was great with the kids, cats and dog siblings, they were not equipped to handle her certain tendencies. Gem does bark- she is half Husky and half German Shepherd after all. She barks when people are walking by her home, when visitors enter the home and when she hears something. For anyone that has a Shepherd especially, this is no surprise.
From what we were told, they thought the barking wasn’t going to be an issue. However, they forgot to take into account a family member who visits frequently with vertigo. Gem’s barking set off a bad episode during her arrival. Although we have sympathy for the situation, we really wish this was thought about prior to adoption for Gem’s sake.
We are devastated for her and will continue to hunt for her perfect FOREVER home. She does not deserve to be failed by humans once again. Until then, her rescue siblings are thrilled to have her back.
As a rescue, we do our due diligence to ensure an adoptive family is a good fit. However, at the end of the day it is still just as important for them to do the same. Additionally, 48hrs is nowhere near enough time for an animal to set into a new routine regardless. Please remember this when considering adoption. Animals should be a lifelong commitment.
