03/04/2026
Not every dog who gets returned did anything wrong. Sometimes they just weren’t given enough time.
Adoption is a big transition for dogs, and it takes time.
You may have heard of the 3-3-3 Rule, which explains how dogs adjust to a new home:
• 3 days: feeling overwhelmed and decompressing
• 3 weeks: learning routines and starting to build trust
• 3 months: fully settled and showing their true personality
This week Brit and Roman were returned just shy of one week, and Ella came back within two weeks. In many cases, dogs simply have not had enough time to adjust before being brought back.
Quick returns can make it harder for these dogs to find their next home, even though they may have done nothing wrong. Many simply needed more time, patience, and understanding.
If you're thinking about adopting, remember: the first few days are not the full story.
Ella, Brit, and Roman are back up for adoption and ready for another chance. Come meet them at MCACC and fall in love.
