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Heartbroken family returns beloved pup. Now she’s longest resident at TX shelter

Elsie and her little blep.
Elsie and her little blep. Photo grab from San Antonio Humane Society’s Facebook

A pup who was adopted from a shelter in Texas has returned to the same shelter almost a year later.

And now, she’s the longest resident at the facility.

“Elsie is a very sweet 1.5-year-old Terrier mix with a gentle heart,” the San Antonio Humane Society said in an Oct. 7 Facebook post. “She was previously adopted from us as a puppy in March 2024, but through no fault of her own, she was returned to us in February when her adopters’ circumstances changed.”

The shelter told McClatchy News that the family didn’t want to part with Elsie but had to when they moved to a smaller place after a family member became ill.

“It was just an unfortunate situation where they wanted to keep her but couldn’t,” the shelter said to McClatchy News.

Unfortunately, kennel life doesn’t suit all dogs and it’s hitting Elsie particularly hard.

“Shelter life has been tough for this sensitive girl, but she did get a break with a loving foster family,” the shelter said. “In a home environment, Elsie truly blossoms - especially when she has a dog buddy by her side to show her the ropes!”

Elsie’s likes include:

  • Walks
  • Treats
  • A calm home without young children
  • Other dogs

“She may be shy at first, but if you spend some extra time with her, her affection and loyalty will shine through, and she’ll be the best companion,” the shelter said. “Thanks to our Guardian Angel program, Elsie’s adoption fee has been completely waived!”

For more information, please visit the shelter’s website.

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This story was originally published October 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Heartbroken family returns beloved pup. Now she’s longest resident at TX shelter."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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