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Leavenworth Today
By the People, for the People
Twice-Returned Shelter Dog Finds Loving Home After Video Draws Adoption Interest
Louie, a 14-month-old dog, had lost hope after being adopted and returned twice, until a family 9 hours away saw his story online and decided to give him a chance.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Louie, a 14-month-old dog at the Leavenworth Animal Control shelter in Kansas, had been adopted and returned twice within 24 hours on each occasion, leaving him stressed and appearing to have given up hope. Shelter volunteer Maria Torres shared a TikTok video of Louie pacing in his kennel, which caught the attention of a family in Colorado, who decided to make the 9-hour drive to adopt him despite the distance.
Why it matters
Shelter dogs like Louie often struggle with the stressful environment and can become discouraged after being returned multiple times. This story highlights the importance of patience and commitment when adopting a dog in need, as well as the power of social media to connect animals with loving homes.
The details
Louie was first rescued at around 3 months old and has spent most of his young life at the Leavenworth Animal Control shelter. He was twice adopted but returned within 24 hours on both occasions, likely due to his fearfulness and need for training as a puppy. A planned foster stay also fell through at the last minute, leaving Louie increasingly stressed in his kennel. Shelter volunteer Maria Torres shared a video of Louie pacing in his enclosure, hoping to drum up adoption interest, and it worked - a family in Colorado watched the video and decided to make the long drive to adopt him, understanding his fears and committing to giving him time to build trust.
- Louie was first rescued at around 3 months old in May 2025.
- Louie was adopted twice but returned within 24 hours on both occasions.
- Maria Torres shared the TikTok video of Louie in early 2026.
The players
Louie
A 14-month-old dog who had been at the Leavenworth Animal Control shelter in Kansas for most of his young life, having been adopted and returned twice previously.
Maria Torres
An active duty soldier stationed in Leavenworth who volunteers at the shelter and regularly posts about the dogs in need on TikTok under the handle @fortheforgottendogs.
Leavenworth Animal Control
The animal shelter in Leavenworth, Kansas where Louie had been staying.
What they’re saying
“I originally shared his story because when you see a dog that stressed in a kennel, it stays with you. Unfortunately, many adopters want a perfect dog right away and don't always have the patience to work through those fears. Dogs like Louie just need someone willing to understand them and give them time to build trust.”
— Maria Torres, Shelter Volunteer
What’s next
The family in Colorado is committed to giving Louie the time and patience he needs to build trust and overcome his fears in his new loving home.
The takeaway
This story underscores the importance of adopting shelter dogs with empathy and understanding, even if they require extra time and effort to overcome their past traumas. By giving Louie a chance, the Colorado family has provided him with a second chance at a happy life.
