When a particularly bonded pair of dogs were relinquished to the Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter after their owner got homeless, the shelter hoped to find them homes together. The dogs were, but their happily ever after took a turn that no one could have predicted.
OJ, a 12-year-old blind Dachshund, is guided around by Blue Dozer, a 6-year-old Pitbull. They are best friends and have a strong bond. The shelter noted, “OJ is blind and relies on Dozer to show him about.” “We can’t get enough of these two’s charm and friendliness.”
So when a woman agreed to adopt the couple, everyone was overjoyed, and they left the shelter together to begin their new life. However, OJ has been discovered roaming on a rural road 100 miles from the refuge only a few days later.
Little OJ was taken in by the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center, which was able to identify him thanks to a microchip. They hunted and found the woman who had given OJ and Blue Dozer a home, only to find out that she didn’t want OJ back but wanted to keep Blue Dozer. The matter was reported to Richmond Animal Care.
As word of OJ and Blue Dozer’s separation and misery circulated around the community, individuals expressed their worry for the two dogs’ welfare, criticizing the Richmond shelter and threatening the adopter.
“We value the outpouring of community support,” the shelter posted on Facebook. “However, we want to be very explicit about a few details.” “First and foremost, we oppose all acts of violence… The only thing that matters is that these adorable dogs get to stay together, and that’s exactly what we’ve got… Please extend that kindness to humans.” “Our work is about love and compassion for pets; please extend that kindness to humans.”
The woman was approached by a shelter employee who described the situation as “sensitive” and asked her to return Blue Dozer. Christie Chipps Peters, director of the Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter, said, “Our biggest concern is that they needed to be together.” “They’re a one-of-a-kind, linked couple.” Because OJ can’t see well, he wanted his friend with him.”
Blue Dozer and OJ were joyfully reunited at the shelter after the woman eventually agreed. As soon as they were together again, they wagged their tails, wiggled, and hugged. The shelter hopes to find the couple a competent dog owner a second time around but noted that some circumstances are beyond their control.
“We adopt thousands of animals a year into loving homes without trouble,” they added. “RACC is an open admission shelter with a 91 percent save rate.” “All of our practices, adoption policies and adoption decisions are made in the best interests of each animal.”
We cannot be held responsible for decisions taken by citizens after adoption and work hard to ensure that our open adoption process is successful. Finally, we must have faith in humans, trusting them to love the dogs we have cared for and to do what is best.”
“Their story isn’t over and we are appreciative that we have an amazing staff that worked hard tonight to ensure these cute dogs have another chapter,” the shelter said.
