BRUNSWICK, Maine — A male beagle that went missing a week ago from on outdoor kennel at the Coastal Humane Society was returned Thursday afternoon.
Shadow, a 1.5-year-old male beagle that went missing from the shelter in the late afternoon on Sept. 21 was returned Thursday, according to a press release issued by the Coastal Humane Society.
The release states that the couple suspected of taking Shadow from the shelter came forward after seeing news coverage of the story.
“They were extremely apologetic,” said Aggie Purinton, shelter manager, who received a call from the family Thursday. “They couldn’t afford the adoption fee, and in a moment of desperation and impulse, they decided to take the dog.”
“It was very difficult for them to come forward,” Purinton said.
“We appreciate their compliance and would like to protect their privacy. It is apparent that they love the dog and that this family took good care of Shadow while he was with them.”
Lisa Smith, customer service manager, said, “Our goal is to place as many animals as we can with loving families that can afford them. We understand that people with every kind of budget want to open their homes to animals, but it is also important to be conscious of the costs associated with the ongoing care of an animal.”
Shadow’s return would not have been possible without media coverage and the support of the community, according to Coastal Humane Society.
“Everything happened exactly as we’d hoped,” said Smith. “The dog was returned to CHS and is safe and healthy.”
Shadow was being treated for Lyme disease when he was taken, a condition that if untreated can be debilitating for dogs, the shelter staff noted in a press released issued Wednesday in an effort to locate the dog.
Shadow will now continue to receive treatment for Lyme disease and will return to the adoption floor when Coastal Humane Society veterinarian Dr. Mandie Wehr gives the medical clearance.
To see photos of Shadow’s return, and all of the animals up for adoption, visit the shelter’s website at www.coastalhumanesociety.org. To make a donation to help animals find homes, visit the shelter’s website or mail donations to 30 Range Road, Brunswick 04011.
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good ending
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if they can not afford the adoption fee, how do they plan on caring for it?? Dumb people!!!
they most have found out the hound would not stay out of the garbage, stay in the yard, and pooped and peed in the home and not a keeper
Let them have Shadow by doing volunteer hours at the shelter.
WHAT? If they can’t afford an adoption fee, they can’t afford all of the things this dog will need to be properly cared for- decent food, leash/bed accessories, licensing, flea/tick treatments, Lyme Disease medications, and routine shots (the last three of which are NOT CHEAP). Should they work those off doing volunteer work at the vet’s office, too?
Agreed
If these people cannot afford the adoption fee then they cannot afford to care for a dog, especially one who needs continuing treatment for Lyme disease.
Doxycycline is one of the VERY cheapest antibiotics there is .. I mean CHEAP. THAT will not be a problem for anyone.. a few pills every day for a month..
yes that is what I thought … some people want the dog but cannot pay the adoption fee. the adoption fee is the least of the cost. you have to feed it and care for it medically. If you cannot afford the fee how can you afford to take care of it.
These people did right by Shadow. They could have avoided apprehension by turning him loose to be found…or not. This demonstrates their love for him exceeded their fear of being prosecuted for taking him. I hope it works out for everyone, and that Shadow finds a great home with all the publicity he’s received!
Some good pet owners have a hard time with an adoption fee. I’ve known people who spend a lot of money on pets (toys, outfits, expensive dog beds) but have no idea how to train a pet or give it the care an attention it needs. Then they get mad when the animal misbehaves!
There are vaccination clinics that charge low fees, pet pantry’s that help with food; why can’t the shelter charge these caring people a reduced fee?
And that may very well have been an option if not for 2 things- They didn’t ask, they just took. Why reward that with a reduced fee? Also, Shadow is receiving treatment for Lyme disease- if they can’t afford the adoption fee, what makes anyone think they can afford that treatment?
You don’t have to be rich to give a pet a loving home, the rich usually have animals for show, but the poor know how to love their pets, GIVE THEM A BREAK!! There has to be a way for this couple to adot this dog!…
Not charging them with theft is a big enough break in my opinion.
Yeah, now all the posters, like JDTEX, will start claiming that everybody has a RIGHT to a pet, along with food, shelter, clothing, etc…
For all of you potential dog “borrowers” out there-don’t make off with a Beagle-you’ll have to keep it in your cellar to mask the bark. Telling the neighbors your mother in law came into town will only work for several days.
If you cant afford the adoption fee you certainly cant afford to have pets. It is people like them that are careless and act on a whim and that is why animals are dumped back in shelters because they either get sick and their owners cant afford their care or something happens to the owners financially and they dont have extra money to care for the animal. Fortunately they came to their senses and returned the dog.
Glad they did the right thing…but can you imagine if someone kidnapped a child and claimed desperation due to the instant “love” they felt upon seeing the child? Wouldn’t fly, I don’t think. Happy for a happy ending for Shadow.
Wow, I’m impressed that they came forward and brought the dog back. That’s pretty hard to to. It’s harder to come forward and fess up than it is to run and hide and cover up. Glad it ended this way.