Dog Returned To Shelter For Being ‘Too Nice’

Countless dogs are surrendered to shelters every day for no fault of their own — and for one sweet dog named Helena, this couldn’t be any more true.

After being picked up as a stray in Atlanta, Georgia, last September, 4-year-old Helena was quickly adopted the following month. After living alone out on the streets, Helena was so happy to finally have a human to call her own — and just wanted to be around him all the time to snuggle and give kisses.

But earlier this week, she was returned to LifeLine Animal Project for that very reason.

“The man who returned her said she was too nice,” Karen Hirsch, public relations director for the shelter, told The Dodo. “It was obvious the gentleman was looking for a guard dog. He also suggested she be adopted by a woman ‘because they are more into that petting stuff.’”

The shelter has seen pets surrendered for many reasons, but said this may be the strangest one yet. Although Helena clearly loves spending time with people, she shows no signs of having separation anxiety, Hirsch said. Her prior owner seemed to have only been originally interested in her due to the “tough dog” stereotypes surrounding pit bulls.

Now that she’s back in the shelter, cuddly Helena is looking for a new home that will better suit her love-filled lifestyle. In the meantime, she’s giving all the slobbery smooches her heart desires to staff members at the shelter.

“She loves to lay around, be pet, give kisses and eat treats,” Hirsch said. “She is a calm dog who would love Netflix binges.”

Helena’s laid-back, loving personality would also make her a great family or office dog, Hirsch said.

The shelter is currently accepting applications for her and, while they don’t provide transportation, are welcoming out-of-state adoptions as well.

“We want Helena to go to a home where she can be smothered in love,” Hirsch said. “If you are looking for a dog to love who doesn’t require lots of activity, she could be the perfect girl for you.”