The Adoption Attempts
Every adoption attempt followed a familiar script that left the staff both amused and uneasy. Rufus would rush toward potential adopters with joyful barks, playful hops, and a wagging tail that never seemed to stop. Families fell in love with him instantly, laughing and smiling as they spent time together. But the moment it was time to head out, Rufus would freeze or slowly pull back. At first, the staff joked about it, assuming he was just being stubborn, until the same thing happened again and again.
The Adoption Attempts
Worrying About Rufus
As the pattern repeated, concern slowly replaced amusement among the shelter workers. Sarah, one of the volunteers, frequently voiced the question everyone was thinking, wondering why Rufus kept backing away from good homes. Jake, the shelter manager, grew more puzzled each day as he watched the dog repeat this strange routine. The team realized this wasn’t random behavior or playful resistance. Rufus was trying to communicate something, and allowing him to keep missing out on loving families simply wasn’t an option anymore.
Worrying About Rufus
