Dog Returned To Kansas Shelter Five Times Still Hopes For A Forever Home After 7 Long Years
Luna’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and an unshakable hope that one day, someone will choose her, and never let her go.
Seven years ago, Luna was a 2-year-old pit bull mix sitting on the euthanasia list at the Wichita Animal Shelter in Kansas. Things weren’t looking good for her, until a miracle happened.
That same year, a brand-new rescue called Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary opened its doors. Luna was actually one of the very first dogs they saved.
As Miranda Munden, a longtime volunteer coordinator at the sanctuary said in an interview:
“She’s been with us nearly every day since.”
Over the past seven years, Luna has been adopted, and heartbreakingly returned, five separate times. None of it was her fault.
At first, Luna struggled with other dogs, but a training facility stepped in to help. The trainers fell in love with her and even adopted her themselves. It seemed like Luna had finally found her happily ever after. As Miranda said:
“Those (trainers) actually adopted her from us. We were so happy … anytime a trainer wants to adopt from us, we’re like, ‘Yes, please take one of our quirky dogs and help give them a good life.’”
But when the couple started a family, they returned Luna, saying they couldn’t manage it all. It was an especially painful goodbye, since the adopters were dog professionals.
“That was super unexpected for someone who was a dog trainer.”
Sadly, it wouldn’t be the last time Luna’s heart was broken.
Another family gave her up because of her allergies, which require a bit of extra care. Luna has severe sensitivities and can only eat a salmon-based diet.
She also needs daily medication, post-outdoor wipe-downs, and even wears cute little pajamas during the day to protect her skin. At night, she wears a cone so she doesn’t scratch too much.
She’s incredibly patient with all of it, she just needs someone willing to stay the course.
Other returns followed. One adopter even brought her back because Luna struggled to get along with their new boyfriend.
The most recent one brought her home but returned her after a difficult visit to the vet, a situation the rescue had gone over with them in great detail. As Miranda explains:
“That’s, like, the one thing we thought we prepared very well. They had had such long conversations about it.”
A generous sponsor even offered to cover the cost of Luna’s food and meds for life. But when their vet suggested putting Luna down, the family gave up.
The rescue rushed to get her back, and they’ve held onto her ever since.
That was two years ago. Now 9 years old, Luna is considered a senior dog. And even after all this time, she’s still full of love, loyalty, and a little spark of hope. As Miranda explains:
“She’s pretty mellow … just always on her little dog bed, with her pajamas, waiting for someone to snuggle her.”
At the sanctuary, Luna has made a best friend named Copper, another dog with special needs who lives nearby.
Copper isn’t up for adoption, but he and Luna are inseparable. They play like puppies and bring comfort to each other in a world that hasn’t always been kind.
Despite her age and past letdowns, Luna still lights up when she meets new people. She might be a little shy at first, but she warms up quickly and would love nothing more than a human to snuggle with.
Toys aren’t really her thing, cuddles and belly rubs are what make her happiest. Miranda hopes:
“There has to be someone out there, you know – other than us – who loves her.”
After all Luna has been through, she’s still waiting. Still hoping. Still dreaming of a forever home.
If you think you could be that special someone for Luna, you can reach out to them through their website. She’s ready, and waiting, for a love that lasts.
