Animal shelters already have the difficult job of placing all of their animals in happy homes, whether they are fostered or adopted.
Sometimes these little love balls have past trauma that makes them hard to train at first, but most are able to adapt and eventually thrive in their new homes.
But for a French bulldog named Ralphie, the shelter thought honesty would be the best policy — in fact, they don’t recommend adopting this “terror in a somewhat small package.”
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In an ad that has since gone viral on Facebook, the Niagara SPAC, based in Niagara Falls, New York, introduced the adorable 26-pound black and white dog to followers of the page with a warning:
“Sometimes we can cover up the less than desirable traits like sugar, like — prefers being an only child,” the shelter wrote. “However, this one leaves us stunned. We don’t really have too many nice things to say, so we’re just going to get it out there.”
The description explains that the dog was rehomed before being returned to the shelter, just two weeks later after his new family claimed he didn’t get along with the family’s older dog.
“Ralphie is a fire-breathing demon,” the ad says casually. “He’s a whole asshole – not even half. Everything belongs to him. If you dare to test his ability to own THE things, anger will follow. If you show a moment of weakness, prepare to be exploited become.”
The post, which has been shared more than 1,100 times and received more than 2,300 comments, received messages from Ralphie’s new fans who wanted to help donate towards his training and adoption, as well as pet owners who shared their own horror stories about adopted animals being part of their family.
“I would like to donate towards his adoption fee,” one Facebook user wrote. “I’m bossy and also too much for some people, so he’s kind of my spirit animal.”
The shelter explained that Ralphie’s former trainer would be willing to help his new owners with training tools and information that will be needed if they choose to adopt.
“The ideal home for Ralphie is the Mother of Dragons, or an adult house with no other animals, with an owner who will lead him calmly and sternly — without putting up with mess,” they said.
In a follow-up series of posts, the shelter provided updates on Ralphie’s progress in training and behavioral therapy, including a socialization effort by two shelter workers to bring the Frenchie to JoAnn’s Fabric store.
“As he entered the store, he trotted straight to a mirror where, like any true jerk, he admired himself endlessly — really checking from all angles,” the message joked. All in all it was a good trip. No blood has been shed. They haven’t been told never to come back.’
There is still hope for Ralphie!
