Shelter volunteer teared up when she had to return ‘sweet’ dog. Then came good news
A shelter volunteer got emotional when she had to return a “sweet” dog — then came good news.
“A week later, unable to get her off her mind, she knew Penelope was meant to be hers,” a North Carolina animal shelter wrote March 24 on Facebook. “Now, this sweet girl has found her perfect match! Congratulations to Penelope and her new mom — we just know you’re going to live your best lives together!”
The Humane Society of Eastern Carolina celebrated the heartwarming adoption after Penelope was pulled from another facility in February. Once she got to the humane society, she gained fans right away.
“Penelope immediately stole the hearts of our staff and volunteers,” Morgan May, assistant director of the shelter, told McClatchy News in an email. “Since she was very sweet and pretty chill, we would describe her as a couch potato.”
The 4-year-old mixed breed pup also has been called “the epitome of an angel.” As Penelope waited for an owner, she participated in Rover Nights, a program that allows shelter dogs to spend time in homes.
“One volunteer met her and fell absolutely head over heels,” the humane society wrote. “After taking her on a Rover Night, she couldn’t help but tear up when bringing Penelope back.”
Then came an emotional update: The volunteer adopted Penelope.
As the pup got a second chance, the shelter basked in the good news.
“We were thrilled when Penelope got adopted, especially because her adopter had already taken her on an overnight volunteering and loved her,” May wrote. “We were very happy it worked out.”
The Humane Society of Eastern Carolina is in Greenville, a roughly 85-mile drive east from Raleigh.
This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Shelter volunteer teared up when she had to return ‘sweet’ dog. Then came good news."
