Pet Adoption Event Leaves A Single Dog Behind And No One Knows Why
Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, Missouri, turned an ordinary adoption drive into a marathon success story. In April, the shelter hosted a 19-hour event that brought in a huge crowd and helped 203 pets, including dogs, cats, and even a guinea pig, find new homes.
By the end of the day, every dog had been adopted except one. That last holdout made the whole feel-good event a little more complicated, and people could not stop wondering why he was left behind.
One dog was still waiting when the doors finally closed.
19 hours, 203 adoptions, and a nearly cleared house of dogs... but one remained. Unbeknownst to him, Kenny was the only dog not to go home to snuggle up with a new family that fateful day.
Kenny's journey began with an unknown history. He was transferred from the Louisiana SPCA to Wayside because of overcrowding. While no one really knew much about Kenny's past, no one, including Kenny, seemed bothered by the unknown because Kenny? He lived in the moment.
Kenny is full of personality and spunk. He loves to run and play, and he loves everyone—absolutely every single person he ever comes into contact with. With such a loving and pleasant personality (and such a freaking adorable face), it was a complete mystery why Kenny remained... especially since every other dog at Wayside was adopted.
It’s the same kind of heartbreak as when Vicente wore his tuxedo to meet his new family, then they canceled: Vicente’s supposed adoptive family never came for him.
In an interview with The Dodo, Casey Waugh, communications and annual giving manager at Wayside Waifs, said:
Kenny is a fun, friendly, and happy dog. He’s definitely a people dog! Yesterday, a volunteer took him on a field trip. The volunteer described him as ‘a dream.’ They went to get ice cream, they visited a nearby park/lake where Kenny waded in the water, and then they stopped by a local pet store where he became friends with everyone who worked there.
Clearly, Kenny lives life to the fullest. So why wasn't he adopted? Some constraints on his potential adoption could be a defining factor. For example, Kenny needs to be the only pet in his new home. He would also do best in a family without small children, but not because he is mean. It's because he is strong and extremely energetic by nature. The ideal family for Kenny would be an athletic and energetic family who loves adventures. Long walks, runs, hiking, and all sorts of outdoor, high-energy shenanigans would be the perfect environment for a dog like Kenny.
What Kenny needs the most, though, is a family who will love him. Kenny is filled to the brim with love to offer, after all.
Naturally, everyone who works for or volunteers with Wayside felt saddened to see Kenny left behind while all the other dogs found their forever homes. However, Kenny doesn't seem to notice, nor is he phased in any way. The staff and volunteers have stopped at nothing to shower the playful, lovable pup with affection and attention.
While Kenny continues to wait for the right family, Waugh said:
Honestly, while we all want Kenny to find his forever home ASAP, we’re positive he’s enjoying the pampering he’s received. In addition to the field trip he went on yesterday, he was showered with love on Sunday. He was given a dog-friendly brunch, a new collar, and a big, yummy bone.
And cue sobbing hearts everywhere, determined to bring Kenny home with them. As Dr. John Gray, relationship author and expert, notes, "The bond between humans and pets can be incredibly profound, often filling emotional voids that we may not even realize exist." To explore all the dogs available for adoption, visit The Humane Society for more information!
After Kenny was left behind, see how a suitcase-carrying train-station dog ended up needing compassion too: abandoned dog found at train station with a suitcase of personal belongings.
Share this article:
