Staff Was Shocked When Owners Returned A Dog Because She Was Not Potty-Trained

There’s nothing quite like the joy a dog feels when it finds a loving forever home for the first time—it’s a moment that can be compared to a wedding day for humans.

Sadly, just as some couples discover they aren’t meant to be together and go their separate ways, dogs sometimes experience a similar heartbreak. The loss is especially painful for puppies who haven’t yet known true love. Such was the fate of a puppy named Lilah, who was returned to the Animal House Shelter in Huntley, Illinois, after just a month with her new owners for a heartbreaking reason. WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Lilah’s journey began on June 2, 2024, when she was adopted and the shelter staff couldn’t have been happier. However, their joy turned to sorrow less than a month later when her owners brought her back. According to Tabitha, a staff member at the shelter, the reason for Lilah’s return was disheartening: her owners struggled to potty train her. They had been informed at the time of adoption that she was still a puppy and not fully housebroken, and her foster family had reported that she had accidents in the home about twice a day.

Tabitha expressed her frustration and disappointment, saying, “They knew she wasn’t potty trained and that she would need time, patience, and consistency to learn.” After Lilah was returned, the shelter staff decided to share her sad story on TikTok, posting a video of her in her kennel with the caption: “I’m just a puppy. I thought I found my forever. Why didn’t you teach me?” WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Unfortunately, her cries went unheard, and Lilah found herself back in the lonely confines of the shelter.

This wasn’t the first time Lilah faced heartbreak. She arrived at the shelter in February as part of a litter rescued from southern Illinois. While her siblings found homes, Lilah remained behind, feeling the sting of abandonment. Afterward, she spent a brief time in a foster home, where she experienced the warmth of a loving family for the first time. However, that arrangement ended when the family returned her due to a child’s allergy. WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Despite her difficult experiences, Lilah remained hopeful and continued to attract attention from potential adopters. She was ecstatic when she was selected for another chance at a forever home, only to face the disappointment of being returned once more.

After this latest setback, the staff worried about Lilah’s emotional well-being. However, to their surprise, she displayed remarkable resilience, gradually finding her smile again. This renewed spirit filled the staff with hope that Lilah would soon find the loving home she truly deserves.

@animalhouseshelter Sweet baby Lilah thought she found her forever home 😭 please share to help us find her a family that will teach her and love her like she deserves. #illinois #huntley #adopt #nokillshelters #dogsoftiktok #shelterdogsneedlove #nodogleftbehind #adoptfosterrescue #volunteer #donate #typ #foryoupage #nonprofit #longtermresidents #shelterpetsoftiktok #adoptme #shelterdogs ♬ What Was I Made For? [From The Motion Picture “Barbie”] – Billie Eilish