18-Year-Old Dog Returns to the Shelter He Was Adopted From And Immediately Starts Acting Differently

Alex was seated at one end of the room with Tonic barking at the other. Suddenly, the dog stopped his barking, as if exhausted with having to defend himself. So, Alex asked Tonic, “Is that it?” knowing that this was Tonic’s method of protecting himself. Soon, Alex would know that Tonic was the dog for him…

After their 18 years together, Alex returned to the shelter where he first met his loyal dog with a plan in mind. This visit wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a stranger and the love and loyalty of his old terrier.

A Small, Scared Dog in Need of a Home

Tonic, like many dogs was brought to an animal shelter shortly after he was born. A small, black terrier, he was separated from his mother and siblings for unknown reasons.

But, he could never imagine what his future would hold…

He Was Traumatized From His Past

While he was in the shelter, Tonic was afraid. As a small dog who was new to the world, the shelter had many scary sights and sounds that the young dog wasn’t prepared for. He spent his first experience in the shelter afraid for his life, unlikely that he would ever find a home.

He Barked And Nipped At Hopeful Owners

A few months into his life, Tonic was adopted. This is the best hope for any shelter dog, but sadly, this wouldn’t be the end of his adoption journey.

After a few months, Tonic was brought back to the shelter by his new owner to meet his fate again because the dog didn’t get along with the owner’s young children. Would anyone adopt this cute but skittish dog?

He Was Returned To The Shelter After Being Adopted

During Tonic’s second stay at the same animal shelter in Burbank, California, several things about him became apparent to the people looking after him. One was that he did not get along with other dogs or any other animals. And the second was that he did not get along with children.

With these rules, it became more unlikely that anyone would ever adopt Tonic.