In the spring of 2025, a little puppy named Scrabble found himself caught in the cruel uncertainty that too many shelter dogs face. Just seven months old, Scrabble and his brother Checkers were rescued from a high-kill shelter in Tennessee. They were saved from almost certain death thanks to a kind-hearted foster linked with Shultz’s Guest House, a dog rescue center in Dedham, Massachusetts. “He was in a high kill shelter,” shared Merrill Fortier of Shultz’s Guest House. “Our foster carers in the south keep a close eye on euthanasia lists and pull dogs that they see have the opportunity to live a better life.”
Returned Within 72 Hours
Though Scrabble’s future seemed bright at first, fate dealt him another painful blow. After being adopted, he was returned to the shelter in less than 72 hours. Heartbreaking footage of his confusion and sadness was shared on the Shultz’s Guest House TikTok page, moving thousands who saw the young pup’s visible distress. “All of our adoption coordinators reiterate these aspects prior to adopting, that owning a dog is a lifetime commitment,” Fortier said. Yet sometimes the initial excitement of a new pet overshadows long-term responsibility.
Left Behind, While His Brother Thrived
While Scrabble struggled to find his place, his brother Checkers had already been adopted and was thriving with his new family. The rejection stung even more when another family, initially interested in Scrabble, chose a different puppy instead. Through it all, Scrabble remained the “incredibly sweet and loving pup” that staff had come to adore.
A Forever Home at Last
But hope wasn’t lost. Thanks to social media and Scrabble’s undeniable charm, a loving couple, Cindy and David from North Attleboro, stepped in. Now renamed Timmy, he lives on several acres, surrounded by love. “He will never be coming back!” they promised. Timmy is settling in beautifully, making friends with his two kitty siblings and winning the hearts of nearby family members.
A Joyful New Chapter
The best part? Timmy will reunite with his brother Sammy (formerly Checkers) for playdates. His story is a reminder of the resilience of shelter pets and the life-changing power of compassion. As Fortier urges, “Shelter pets everywhere are in need of homes. Please check and adopt through your local shelter!”
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
