The first disappointment always hits the hardest.
Now imagine feeling it for the 14th time.
The first heartbreak is always the hardest.
Now imagine feeling it 14 times.
That’s exactly what Ronald, the dog, went through. He was promised a warm home again and again—only to find himself back at the shelter every time.
After so many letdowns, Ronald started to fear adoptions. They never seemed to last.
But this time was different. His unlucky streak was finally over.
A loving family didn’t just adopt Ronald—they gave him the home he had been waiting for all along.
Ronald The Record Holder
Source: SPCA of Wake County
If there were a Guinness World Record for the most almost-adoptions, Ronald would be the undisputed champion.
This lovable, big-hearted pup thought he had found his forever home 14 times—only to be let down each time. That’s three times more than some shelter dogs get adopted in their entire lifetime!
Some said Ronald was too big. Others worried about him around kids. And some didn’t even give a reason why they didn’t want this gentle giant as their pet.
He had been let down so many times, he lost count.
Yet, deep in his heart, a small spark of hope remained—waiting for the right family to finally give him the life he deserved.
Then, the SPCA of Wake County, North Carolina posted Ronald’s story online.
And this time, something felt different. Change was in the air.
Source: SPCA of Wake County
The shelter was overwhelmed—so many adoption applications poured in for Ronald that they reached their limit!
Overnight, his story spread like wildfire. More than a million people shared it, flooding the shelter with support, awareness, and donations.
For the first time in a long time, hope wasn’t just a flicker in Ronald’s heart—it was shining brighter than ever.
Source: SPCA of Wake County
And this time, it wasn’t just another close call—it was real.
For the first time, Ronald’s journey didn’t end in heartbreak.
He was finally adopted.
Source: SPCA of Wake County
Looks like Ronald’s lucky number is 15!
His new family didn’t care that he weighed 64 pounds or that he had been rejected so many times. All they saw was a special dog who deserved love—and they knew he was meant to be theirs.
Ronald even gained a new furry sibling, an Aussie Shepherd named Billie!
“I for sure thought someone was going to snatch him up quickly, and I wouldn’t even have a chance,” said Kiersten Davis, Ronald’s new mom.
But this time, fate was on Ronald’s side.
Source: ABC11
This North Carolina pup finally has everything he ever dreamed of—a cozy bed, a loving family, people who truly appreciate him, and a future filled with happiness.
Of course, many hopeful adopters were disappointed when Ronald found his home. But they shouldn’t be! The SPCA still has so many dogs waiting for their own furever families.
Maybe one of them is waiting for you. Why not give a shelter pup the home they deserve?
Help make a difference—adopt, donate, or spread the word.
Every act of kindness brings a shelter dog one step closer to a loving home.
Your support matters!