The 2 Dogs I Helped Get Adopted Are Being Returned For Being “Not Good Enough”

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Two adopted puppies are coming back to me

These little ones had already spent two weeks adjusting to their new environment — a large house with space to run, and the promise of moving one day to an even bigger piece of farmland.

The adopter, a woman I see as gentle and kind-hearted, wanted to give them a home. Her plan was to let them grow with her family, eventually bringing them along when they settled into their retirement home.

It sounded ideal. Until it wasn't.

Her husband decided the puppies were not the "right" kind of dogs. Why? Because they are not "barkers".

He wants a guard dog — one that barks at anything and everything. His idea of a good dog is one that reacts aggressively, anxiously, and constantly.

Ironically, their existing dog (a three-year-old, underweight, poorly-cared-for animal who barks out of fear and anxiety) is considered by him to be the model example.

(In case you're wondering, yes… I've gone through this matter with the lady in advance whereby she admitted their mistake & promised to do better by the dog).

In his eyes, my two rescued puppies are "not good enough". And so, they are being sent back.

I wish this were just one unfortunate story. But the truth is, it mirrors a much bigger problem in our society.

Too many people see dogs as tools — guard dogs, breeding machines, property markers. Rarely are they seen as sentient beings with emotions, instincts, and needs.

What makes this case even more heartbreaking is a comment the husband made: that he wanted to let the female dog "give birth once", so that they could have their own puppies to train as guard dogs.

This is exactly the kind of mentality that feeds Malaysia's stray population crisis.

While animal rescuers, feeders, and NGOs work tirelessly to spay, neuter, and rehome, there are still far too many people who believe in breeding for convenience or preference — all while thousands of puppies are born on the streets every month, many only to suffer, starve, or die prematurely.

The wife in this story is kind. She appreciates the gentleness of the puppies. But she is not the one making decisions. She keeps quiet, defers to her husband, and accepts his reasoning, even when it perpetuates the very cycle that fuels our stray problem.

This is what I find most difficult to reconcile. That good people, with resources and opportunities to help break the cycle, still fall back into old, destructive mindsets.

And this is why I continue to speak up

Because rehoming strays is not just about finding them a roof and food. It is about reshaping mindsets.

It is about breaking misconceptions: that only a barking, anxious dog can protect; that breeding is necessary; that dogs exist to serve, not to coexist.

Every adoption should be an opportunity to create better owners. Every returned puppy is a reminder of how much more work we still need to do.

The two puppies won't be going to a warm bed or a forever family. They are returning to the jungle — the only life they knew before rescue. It breaks me, because adoption should have been their chance at something better.

But at least there, they'll be with their family, and surrounded by what's familiar.

I will keep doing this work, however exhausting, because until more people begin to understand and reflect, the cycle will never break

Seri and Rimba are sweet natured four-month-old pups.

Seri has an alpha trait in her, and can shine with proper guidance. Rimba is just so full of love and gentleness. He's the perfect family dog to cuddle and love.

If you have space in your heart and home for them, let me know. I am willing to continue this journey to find them good forever families.

This story is a personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the position of SAYS.

You, too, can submit a story as a SAYS reader by emailing us at [email protected].

Asther is the co-founder of DPStrays. She has currently taken a step back from active rescuing and is focusing on Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) and awareness work, where she believes she can make a more sustainable impact.

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