Shelter Dog Adopted and Returned Twice for Being Too Playful

by Nevena Nacic

Published: June 30th, 2025

iampaese/Shutterstock

A North Carolina shelter dog was returned by potential new owners not once, but twice, because he was deemed too playful!

DJ, believed to be one year old, was in a high-intake shelter in North Carolina earlier this year, before being transferred to the SPCA of Wake County. Although no one knows what happened to this pooch before, it’s clear DJ has a lot of love to give.

According to Samantha Ranlet, communications manager at the SPCA of Wake County, DJ is an adorable goofball who has never had a negative thought about anybody.

“DJ lives in a world full of rainbows and sunshine,” said Ranlet. “Our staff spends a lot of enrichment time with him outside in the kiddie pool or playing with the hose - not only to keep him cool in the heat but because he lights up when he gets to play in the water.”

Finding DJ a home didn’t seem to be difficult since he was adopted fast. Unfortunately for DJ, his new owners returned him to the shelter because they couldn’t manage his energy and friendliness.

It wasn’t long before DJ was adopted again, and the shelter’s staff believed he got a second chance at a good life. However, just two days after the adoption, DJ’s new owners returned him to the shelter.

“He’d been in that home for two days during a trial adoption period, which gives families a chance to see how the pet fits into their home before finalizing anything. He was returned because he was trying to befriend their cats, and the cats didn’t appreciate his offers of friendship,” said Ranlet.

The Wake County SPCA shared in a Facebook post that DJ was available for adoption after being returned for a second time by new owners.

“DJ’s been returned twice for being too playful with other animals in the home. He wants to be friends sooooo badly, but unfortunately, his high energy, goofy antics, and in-your-face play style haven’t meshed well with calmer companions,” the shelter wrote, adding that this spirited pooch isn’t the right fit for everyone.

“Now he’s back here with us, and we are on a mission - to find him a forever home and a dork-astic animal friend who can keep up with his little-legged zoomies,” the shelter added.

After his second failed adoption, everyone at the shelter was heartbroken to see the energetic pooch back again. However, DJ didn’t dwell on the past and was back outside playing in the pool the same day.

Soon after he arrived at the shelter, DJ was prescribed trazodone, an antidepressant medicine often given to people for anxiety and insomnia. The treatment was of great help for DJ, who has struggled with the unpredictability of shelter life.

“DJ’s energy and anxiety were in overdrive when he first arrived at the shelter, but we’ve discovered that he’s much happier on a medication called trazodone. These meds help him go from a frightened fella that hunches and startles at the sound of the door opening to a lively, playful pup who loves flopping around in the pool.”

While DJ future looked bleak, not all was lost. Following the shelter’s Facebook post, the pooch was adopted again, for the third time.

The pup’s new owners renamed him Nova, and with three other dogs in their home, he has plenty of friends to play with.

“We explained to his new family the reasons he’d been returned before, so they knew they were signing up for a playful, energetic dog, and that was just what they were looking for,” said Ranlet.

Let’s hope the third time is the charm for this lively pup!

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Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

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We all know the love and joy our pups bring into our lives. But with that joy comes the responsibility of keeping them safe, especially during the harsh winter months. A recent viral video out of Vermont is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in many of the most beautiful winter wonderland landscapes.Imagine this: a man, Chris McRitchie, and his family are simply going through a drive-thru when his son looks over and spots a dog struggling in the freezing waters of the Winooski River. Being animal lovers themselves, they knew they had to act fast.“It was like one of those moments everyone probably has in their life like you’re going to make a decision,” MacRitchie described. “I felt I was obligated to at least try to fetch this dog out of the river, as I have two dogs myself, and I would hope someone would do that for them if they were in that spot.”Without hesitation, Chris jumped into the frigid water, braving the bitterly cold conditions, to pull the distressed dog to safety. The whole rescue was caught on video, which has since gone viral, and for good reason!“The only real stress I had about it wasn’t getting in the cold water. It was the depth. I did not know if it was 20 feet deep or it was 2 feet deep,” explained MacRitchie. “When I broke through, and I got my feet, and it was like waist-high, I was actually relieved by that. In my mind, during the moment, I thought, ‘OK, this isn’t that bad. Yeah, it’s cold, but I feel this is a very doable situation.’”

What Does It Mean When My Cat Kneads Me?

Cats make wonderful companions - and sometimes, slightly mysterious ones too. One behavior that tends to puzzle (and delight) many cat owners is kneading. If your cat rhythmically presses their paws into your lap, a blanket, or even your belly, you’ve likely witnessed this adorable habit in action. Often nicknamed "making biscuits," kneading resembles the motion of kneading dough - and it’s as charming as it is curious.But what does it actually mean when your cat kneads you? Let’s take a closer look.It Starts in KittenhoodKneading begins as an instinctive behavior in kittens. When nursing, they knead their mother’s belly to help stimulate milk flow. This action becomes closely associated with comfort, warmth, and nourishment. While cats eventually outgrow nursing, many carry this kneading behavior into adulthood as a form of emotional expression.So, when your grown cat kneads you, it’s often a throwback to kittenhood - a signal that they feel safe, content, and cared for, just like they did with their mom.It’s a Sign of AffectionOne of the most common interpretations of kneading is simple: love. If your cat curls up in your lap and starts kneading away - especially while purring, head-butting, or settling in for a nap - they’re expressing trust and affection. Think of it as a cat’s version of a hug or a cuddle.In their own quiet way, they’re saying: “I feel good here. You’re my person.”It’s About Marking Territory, TooCats have scent glands in their paws, and kneading releases a bit of that scent. When your cat kneads you, they’re not just getting cozy - they’re marking you as theirs. It’s their subtle, instinctive way of saying: “This human belongs to me.”The same goes for kneading their favorite blanket or bed. It’s a comforting behavior that makes their environment feel familiar and secure.It’s About Nesting and ComfortIn the wild, cats knead grass or leaves to make a soft spot to rest or give birth. While your housecat doesn’t need to make a nest, that primal behavior still sticks around. When they knead a blanket, pillow, or your lap, they’re fluffing up their “bed” to make it extra comfy before they curl up for a nap.It’s ritualistic, soothing, and helps them feel calm, just like making the bed before turning in for the night.What If It’s Uncomfortable?While kneading is adorable, it can be a little painful if your cat’s claws are involved. Some cats get really enthusiastic with their paws, and may accidentally scratch your skin or snag clothing. If this becomes a problem, here’s what you can do:Keep their nails trimmed regularly.Place a thick blanket over your lap before they settle in.Gently redirect them to a soft pillow or bed if needed.Avoid scolding them - kneading is a deeply ingrained and comforting behavior. Instead, offer alternatives that let them keep the ritual without the ouch.When to WorryIn most cases, kneading is completely normal and nothing to worry about. But if your cat kneads obsessively, seems agitated while doing it, or cries out during the process, it might be a sign of discomfort, anxiety, or even pain. If anything feels off, it’s worth bringing up with your veterinarian.Final ThoughtsKneading is one of the many endearing ways your cat connects with you. Whether it’s a show of affection, a comfort ritual, or a claim of ownership- consider it a sweet compliment. If your cat’s kneading you, you’re probably doing something right.

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