Not every dog fits neatly into a quiet home—and DJ, a bouncy, joyful pup from North Carolina, is living proof of that. Full of playful energy and love to give, DJ wanted nothing more than a friend to zoom around with. But after being returned twice for being “too playful,” his story became one of heartbreak and hope. Still, this goofy boy never gave up—and finally, his perfect match came wagging right back.
A Dog Full of Sunshine (and Zoomies)
Some dogs are born to nap, and others—well, they’re born to party. DJ, a one-year-old rescue pup from Raleigh, North Carolina, definitely falls into the second category. Described by staff at the SPCA of Wake County as “goofy” and “high-energy,” DJ is the kind of dog who greets life like it’s a backyard full of tennis balls. But for all his sunshine and silly spirit, finding a forever home hasn’t been easy. Twice adopted and twice returned for being “too playful,” DJ’s journey proves that sometimes the right home just takes a little longer to find.
Returned for Being Too Friendly
DJ’s first adoption came quickly after he arrived at the SPCA on June 5, transferred from a high-intake shelter. He won hearts instantly—especially once he discovered the kiddie pool and fell in love with splashing around like a carefree pup on summer vacation. But while DJ was ready to give love freely, his exuberance didn’t quite fit the quieter vibe of his adopters’ home. He was returned shortly after his first adoption.
Hopeful again, DJ found another potential family—but this time, his friendliness toward their cats proved overwhelming. He was returned again, just two days into his trial. “He lives in a world full of rainbows and sunshine,” said Samantha Ranlet of the SPCA. Sadly, not all animal companions appreciated his big-hearted energy.
Helping DJ Feel Safe in His Own Skin
After DJ’s second return, the SPCA team decided to try something new. They introduced DJ to trazodone—an antidepressant used to ease anxiety in dogs. The change was noticeable. No longer overwhelmed by every creak and door slam, DJ became more centered and comfortable, while still keeping his joyful, playful spirit. With the right support, his potential as a wonderful companion became even clearer.
Third Time’s the Charm
On June 19, just two days after the SPCA’s Facebook post about DJ, he found what shelter staff now hope is his forever home. His new family renamed him Nova and, most importantly, already had three other playful dogs ready to welcome him. “They knew they were signing up for an energetic dog—and that’s exactly what they wanted,” said Ranlet.
A Happy Ending for a Happy Soul
Nova’s journey reminds us that every dog deserves a home where their quirks are celebrated, not corrected. He may have been “too playful” for some, but for the right family, his energy is exactly what makes him perfect. Here’s to splashy pool days, goofy grins, and the magic of finding your place in the world—even if it takes a couple of tries.
Sameen is a digital marketing and content specialist well versed in curating content aligned to audience needs. She has a passion for animals and creating animal content across social media.
