‘Happy tears’ flowed as dog was adopted a 2nd time. Now, she needs another home
A dog spent more than 300 days waiting for a home — then the “happy tears” flowed.
But soon after Roxy’s emotional adoption, she landed back at a North Carolina animal shelter. Now, she needs a fresh start.
“She was home. She had her people. She was adored,” Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation wrote July 26 in a Facebook post. “Today, she’s back with us. Not because of anything she did — never that. Her beloved owner is facing serious health issues and could no longer care for her.”
The 6-year-old bulldog mix is up for adoption after a journey that started years ago. She was adopted as a puppy then returned in July 2024 when her first owner entered an assisted living facility.
As Roxy waited for a second home, rescuers thought she would do best in an environment with no other dogs. That preference — along with her breed and age — may have contributed to her spending more time at the shelter compared to other dogs, spokesperson Emily Trigin told McClatchy News in a phone interview.
Then after nearly a year of waiting, Roxy finally was matched with a new owner. Trigin said rescue workers were “thrilled” about the news.
“She’s exactly where she belongs: with a loving family who saw her light and welcomed her in with open arms,” the shelter wrote on Facebook after she was adopted in June. “Happy tears were absolutely shed. Laughter was shared. And Roxy? She wore the biggest smile as she met her new family — knowing, somehow, that her life had just changed forever.”
But the situation didn’t work out for Roxy, who returned to the rescue and was listed among the dogs available for adoption on its website as of Aug. 1. She’s described as a snuggly, “goofy, happy” pup who enjoys learning.
“She’s just an active girl and loves everyone she meets,” Trigin said. “So, she’s the kind of dog that she’s never met a stranger.”
The rescue is based in Waynesville, a roughly 30-mile drive southwest from the mountain town of Asheville. Details about the animal organization’s adoption process can be found at sarges.org.
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 4:55 AM with the headline "‘Happy tears’ flowed as dog was adopted a 2nd time. Now, she needs another home."
