There are many shelter animals looking for their forever homes, and shelters will often try to get the word out with social media posts highlighting their attractive qualities, explaining why they would make a great pet.
But sometimes, doing the opposite can be even more effective: brutally honest adoption bios, frankly but hilariously describing the pets’ less-than-desirable traits, often go viral, increasing their chances of getting adopted.
Like one viral post about a “jerk” dog named Ralphie that is bringing attention to his search for the perfect home.
The 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.
The shelter makes it clear, in some hilariously colorful terms, that adopting Ralphie will be no walk in the park.
“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?”
French bulldogs are a trendy, valuable and highly sought-after dog breed, which makes it more likely that people will adopt them without considering the responsibilities involved, or be unwilling to put in the effort of training.
The post is a funny twist on the usual adoption bio, but it also makes it clear that Ralphie needs a special kind of home with someone who will provide the training he needs.
“The ideal home for Ralphie is the Mother of Dragons, or an adult home free of other animals, with an owner who will lead him calmly and sternly- putting up with zero crap. On the bright side, Ralphie’s previous trainer will provide his new adopters with the training tools they believe he needs to be successful in a home.”
Ralphie’s story has now gone viral and has been shared nearly 900 times on Facebook. Hopefully, there is somebody out there who will be willing to take on the challenge of this “demon” dog.
In the meantime, Ralphie has been winning hearts online: despite his “jerk” attitude, some people see him as a kindred spirit.
“I’d like to donate toward his adoption fee,” one woman commented. “I’m bossy and too much for some people too, so he’s a little bit my spirit animal.”
If you are still interested in adopting Ralphie, you can reach out to the Niagara SPCA!
If not, please share this story to spread the word — Ralphie might be a “fire breathing demon” but he deserves a loving home soon!
