Adopting a rescue pet can be a rewarding experience, but for the animal themselves, it’s not always easy to understand what is happening. Many have experienced abandonment, fear, and uncertainty before finally finding a place to call home. For one pup, a car ride brought back memories of rejection. However, as a touching video shows, what she thought was a return to the shelter turned out to be the beginning of her new life, with the dog’s adoption about to be made official.
Dog who worries about going back to shelter signs adoption paperwork
The viral Instagram video features Ellie, a sweet rescue dog, sitting in the back seat of a car with a visibly anxious expression. The onscreen text reads, “She thinks I’m taking her back to the shelter to leave her but we are actually signing ADOPTION paperwork!” Ellie’s look says it all — ears slightly back, eyes unsure, and body language tense.
Ellie had a rough start. According to her new owner, the shelter found her abandoned at a park along with her brother. In the video’s caption, her adopter explains that Ellie likely associated car rides with abandonment, and it took time and patience to teach her that rides could lead to good things like parks, treats, and safe places.
The adoption wasn’t immediate; they initially took Ellie home on a trial basis to see how she would adjust to their home and their other dog, Flynn. A week later, they returned to officially sign the adoption papers, which was what that particular car ride was all about.
Now comfortably settled into her forever home, a follow-up video shows Ellie running around the backyard, playing with Flynn, and enjoying her new life. “She is the best girl and has the sweetest personality,” the post read. Her adopter shared more details, noting that Ellie’s biological brother had also found a loving home and was doing well.
