In the U.S., surrendering a pet to a shelter isn’t as simple as dropping it off and walking away. It requires paperwork and a valid reason for giving up the animal. Sadly, when it comes to dogs, owners often label them as “uncontrollably aggressive” to avoid judgment. Admitting reasons like “I can’t afford it” or “I lost interest” rarely garners sympathy from animal advocates.
That’s how Quarter—the so-called “snarling beast”—ended up at the shelter. Staff were skeptical of his aggressive label, but protocol is protocol. Aggression in dogs often stems from fear or poor training, both of which can be managed with the right care. Still, the rules required Quarter to undergo quarantine—a lonely few weeks in isolation, away from humans and other dogs, before he could be considered for adoption.
After three long weeks, it was finally time for a vet check-up, the next step toward a new home. But something didn’t add up. First, Quarter wasn’t even his real name—it was a nickname referencing his mixed breed. His true name? Teddy. And when an experienced staff member took him home for further observation, the truth came out: Teddy wasn’t aggressive at all. He was shy, scared, and longing for affection.
Soon after, Teddy found his forever family and relocated to a new state, leaving his past behind. For shelter workers, his story was another bittersweet reminder of how easily animals can be mislabeled and abandoned. But for Teddy, it was the start of a new, love-filled chapter.
