Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MURRAY — Ned, a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix, has a history of running away in search of adventure.
Ned was transferred to the Humane Society of Utah from another overcrowded shelter in May. He was soon adopted but escaped that home and returned to the shelter.
On June 8, Ned found another new family, but he couldn't kick his desire to escape and ran away after three hours in his new home. According to the Humane Society of Utah, his second adopter was warned about his escape history and the shelter does not know how he escaped.
After an 11-day search, staff members found a familiar furry face running near the shelter.
“I walked out the back door and saw a small brown dog running along the behavior yard fence,” said Megan Marzloff, a behavior coordinator at the shelter. “I opened the gate, and he ran into the yard and jumped into another staff member’s lap. We took him inside, scanned him for a microchip and were totally surprised to find out that it was Ned!”
The shelter is over 7 miles away from his adopted family's home. Deann Shepherd, spokeswoman for the Humane Society of Utah, said this is the second time he's returned to the shelter on his own during his adventures.
After his first escape, he was found near the shelter but the staff had a difficult time catching him. The second time he made it clear he was excited to be back.
Shepherd said she believes Ned found his way back to the shelter because he was hungry and knew where to find food.
"Maybe since he had been here for a while and was familiar with the smells, yummy treats, a nice bed and a caring staff," said Shepherd
“I guess he came back because he knew he was loved by all the staff. It’s nice to know our shelter is a safe place for pets, but we hope he gives his new family a chance because a home is the best place to be,” Marzloff added.
Ned's second family decided that they were not a good match and he is currently up for adoption.
Shepherd says Ned is a lap dog who is looking for a home.
For any adoption, the shelter suggests families have their home set up to bring the animal right into to "acclimate and decompress." Shepherd advised against taking a newly adopted pet to any public areas like dog parks, pet stores, or to visit with friends and family.
Adoption counselors at the shelter provide adopters with tips and tricks on how to make the adjustment as smooth as possible.
