Animal shelters often share social media posts about their adoptable dogs, hoping to get the word out and generate interest, usually by highlighting the dogs’ best qualities.
But sometimes, the opposite approach works, too. Last month, we told you about a French bulldog named Ralphie, whose shelter lovingly described him as a “jerk” and a “fire breathing demon” in a post that soon went viral.
Amazingly, their plan worked: despite the warnings about Ralphie’s attitude, this dog has found a loving new home.
“A terror in a somewhat small package”
The January 17 post from the Niagara SPCA, in New York, describes the 26-pound French bulldog as “a terror in a somewhat small package.”
“At first glance, he’s an adorable highly sought after, young dog,” the shelter wrote. “People should be banging down our doors for him. We promise you, that won’t be the case.”
They describe Ralphie as being a bit too spoiled due to his “cute face,” and now his attitude is that rules and boundaries don’t “apply to him” — and this attitude has kept him from keeping a home.
They write that his original owners tried to train him, but “their relationship was built on the premise that Ralphie was the boss so things ended abruptly.” He was then rehomed by the SPCA, but that family returned him two weeks later saying that he “annoys” their older dog.
“What they actually meant was: Ralphie is a fire-breathing demon and will eat our dog, but hey, he’s only 26lbs,” the SPCA wrote.
“Lots of people withheld Ralphie’s less than desirable traits, but we’re going to tell you all about it. He’s a whole jerk- not even half. Everything belongs to him. If you dare test his ability to possess THE things, wrath will ensue. If you show a moment of weakness, prepare to be exploited. Sounds fun, huh?”
Ralphie adopted
Despite the many colorful warnings from the Niagara SPCA, Ralphie generated quite a lot of attention and interest.
Then, on February 4, the shelter shared an uplifting update about their “favorite devil”: Ralphie has been adopted!
Despite Ralphie’s reputation as a “demon,” Ralphie’s new mom said she is “completely in love” with the dog and that he’s “amazing.”
The new owner says she has noticed a few less-than-desirable traits that led to him being called a “demon dog”; she says Ralphie is a “nipper.” Still, she’s committed to working on Ralphie’s behavioral issues and giving him the attention and training he needs.
But things seem to be going well so far: the owner wrote that Ralphie is already learning good behavior, like going to the bathroom outside instead of in the house. And most importantly, he’s loving his new family.
“All in all… He is amazing, and He found A HAPPY PLACE with me because he saved me as much as I saved him… I feel blessed!” the owner wrote.
We’re so glad Ralphie has been adopted! All shelter dogs deserve a loving home, and it goes to show that there’s an owner out there for even the most “demonic” dogs.
Please share this inspiring update to Ralphie’s story! ❤️🐾
