...
By Melissa Fleur Afshar
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A Saint Bernard named Thor has found his forever family, again, after a heartfelt second chance at adoption. His story has tugged at the heartstrings of thousands of viewers online, reigniting faith in pet rescue stories.
Thor's journey was shared to Facebook in a May 19 post by the Wabash County Animal Shelter in Indiana, where he had temporarily lived and been cared for. Staff at the shelter had announced his successful adoption with a joyful caption: "Our big, lovable Saint Bernard, Thor, has found his forever home! After a second chance at adoption, Thor's patience and gentle heart have finally paid off."
The post, which featured an image of Thor sitting confidently before his new family on his "adoption day," quickly resonated with animal lovers on the platform, gathering over 600 likes and triggering a surge of emotional reactions in the comments.
Read More on Pets
Jennifer Castro, the shelter's manager, told Newsweek about Thor's story and the broader mission of the Indiana rescue facility.
"Wabash County Animal Shelter is a limited admittance shelter dedicated to providing safe haven, compassionate care, and a second chance to companion animals in need," Castro said. "Each animal in our care receives individualized attention, veterinary care, and the time they need to find the right match."
Thor was initially found wandering along a busy highway, untagged and without a microchip. Despite social-media posts and community outreach, no owner came forward to claim him, breaking the hearts of staff at the rescue.
"We were just certain that someone, some family just had to be missing this goofy boy," Castro added. "Much to our surprise, no one came in or called us claiming him as their missing dog."
After his stray hold period ended, the shelter moved quickly.
...
"It became time for us to do what we do best—neuter, vaccinate, microchip, start monthly preventatives, and find this handsome, fun-loving boy the best fit home."
Thor was initially placed with a couple experienced with Saint Bernards, one of whom was a veterinarian. But, within two weeks, the pair returned Thor, overwhelmed by the sheer energy and strength typical of his breed and young age.
"Unfortunately, they realized at this stage in life they were no longer able to handle the energy and strength a young, extra-large Saint Bernard possesses," Castro said.
The shelter then faced a lull, as previous applicants had already adopted other pets in need, and no immediate matches surfaced that could suit Thor.
Fortunately, 11 days later, a mother and son duo arrived at the rescue.
"Instantly upon the meet and greet, it was clear Thor was with his forever people," Castro said. "A boy to match his energy and a mom ready to tackle the responsibility of owning such a prestigious breed.
"Some say 'third time's a charm' but for Thor it only took twice!"
The shelter, a limited-admittance facility, continues to share both successful and unsuccessful adoption stories as part of its outreach efforts on social media.
"We share our adoption failures and successes, all of our adoption stories, in hopes that it inspires everyone who reads them to never give up," Castro said. "Together, we all make a difference in the lives of so many deserving animals."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines