BRUNSWICK
A couple who took a young beagle from a local animal shelter, then voluntarily returned him days later after seeing news coverage of the dog’s disappearance, have now officially adopted the dog thanks to an anonymous donor.
The Coastal Humane Society announced Thursday that one-in-ahalf year-old Shadow has been adopted.
Shadow vanished from the Range Road shelter on Sept. 21 after going for a walk with the prospective adopters, who walked off with the dog when they couldn’t afford the $249 adoption fee.
The dog was returned to the shelter by the couple on Sept. 27 after media coverage of Shadow’s disappearance.
“When the good news spread that Shadow had been returned, the Coastal Humane Society received several phone calls and visits from people wanting to donate the adoption fee so that Shadow could be returned to the family that had fallen in love with him,” according to a news release from the shelter. “In light of the family’s cooperation, the shelter decided to offer Shadow to the family.”
Shelter manager Aggie Purinton completed a home inspection of Shadow’s adopters and discussed with them the costs of Shadow’s ongoing care. The couple then officially adopted the dog.
“He recognized them right away and was truly happy to be back in their home,” Purinton said.
The adoption fee was covered by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. If for any reason the family can no longer care for the dog, Shadow will be brought back to CHS.
“When I gave them the news about the donor who wished to pay the entire adoption fee, they immediately broke down in tears,” said Purinton. “It’s obvious that this family became very attached to Shadow during the time they had him.
“They acknowledge that they exercised very poor judgment in taking him, but they did the responsible and difficult thing in returning him to CHS,” Purinton continued.
Shadow’s new owners have pledged to repay Shadow’s adoption with regular volunteering at the shelter.
“We are thrilled it turned out this way,” Executive Director Karen Stimpson said. “It was apparent to all of us that this family needed Shadow as much as he needed them.”
The shelter takes donations at www.coastalhumanesociety.org/donate; by calling 449-1366; or mailing a contribution to the Coastal Humane Society at 190 Pleasant St., Brunswick 04011.
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