Remember the “fire-breathing demon” dog who went viral recently? First, the pup otherwise known as Ralphie became internet famous for his no-holds-barred adoption ad. Then he was trending again because he finally found a new home. Now, poor Ralphie the demon dog has been returned to the shelter and is parent-less again.
Ralphie the ‘Demon’ Dog Returned to Shelter
In a Facebook post on Valentine’s Day, Niagara SPCA broke the sad news that Ralphie’s most recent placement did not work out.
“We’re sure you all remember Ralphie, the adorable Frenchie with the attitude,” the post began. “He went to a home not quite two weeks ago and while the adopter had the right household dynamic, Ralphie proved to be more than she could handle.”
This news might come as a surprise to Ralphie followers, as only two days after being adopted, Ralphie’s new dog mom was “literally questioning where the name ‘Demon Dog’ came from,” according to a Feb. 4 Facebook post by Niagara SPCA. She reported she was working on Ralphie’s less desirable habits with a “secret training treat” that consisted of microwaved hot dogs.
While it’s unclear what exactly drove the dog mom to return the pup, Niagara SPCA appears to hold no beef against her.
“Kudos to her though for making the right decision,” the organization wrote in its most recent Facebook post about Ralphie. “There were some bad choices made by both, but they parted ways amicably. He took his cd’s and she kept his sweatshirt. She now understands that Ralphie IS that good-looking bad boy everyone’s mama warns them about.“
Niagara SPCA said it is committed to helping Ralphie so that his next placement will be permanent. The organization reached out to a trainer named Chris from YourEveryDayK9, and Ralphie has been admitted into a six-week boarding and intensive training program starting Feb. 20.
Shelter Cautiously Accepting New Adoption Applications
While Niagara SPCA has reopened the vetting process for potential adopters, the organization has asked that the adopter live nearby the training facility so Ralphie can get the follow-up help he needs after completing the training program.
Those interested in adopting the challenging canine should send a “dog experience ‘resume’” (and the shelter is “totally serious” about that) and a letter of interest about why you believe your home is the right fit for Ralphie to dragonadoption@niagaraspca.org.
To ward off any impulsive adoption applications, Niagara SPCA offered additional words of warning, saying that “believers that all Ralphie needs is love” should not apply. “He will totally exploit that,” the organization said.
They also cautioned those “who think our restrictions of no other animals or no kids do not apply to them.”
“Just no,” the organization insisted. “Ralphie has a bite history.”
Those who want to help Ralphie without adopting him can donate to Niagara SPCA, which is in the process of raising the $6,000 it will cost to cover his boarding and training program.
