A man recently shared on Reddit that he tried to adopt a dog from three different shelters only to be denied because he was single and lived in an apartment with no yard, forcing him to seek a pup through a breeder instead.
Reddit user Mountain_Top802 told Newsweek via text message that the shelters “had me send photos of my home, send in square footage, send in my work schedule,” adding that “it was pretty wild.” The Reddit user also sent in references and referrals.
He works from home, but because he lives in an apartment complex, the shelters denied his application. He felt discouraged and felt like he was “being judged” for his living situation. But living in an apartment doesn’t mean he cannot be active with a dog.
This led him to his only option—to buy a puppy from a breeder, which he said was “infinitely easier.” In no time at all, he happily welcomed home Mac, a golden retriever, nearly three years ago, when the pup was about 3 months old, knowing and accepting the responsibility for mental and physical stimulation associated with this active dog breed.
Sharing a video of himself and Mac on the subreddit r/goldenretrievers, Mountain_Top802 wrote: “[Three] years ago I was denied adoption from 3 different shelters because I’m single and ‘live in an apartment with no yard.’ I gave up and just bought a golden retriever from a breeder. This is Mac, we do 10,000-13,000 steps a day together. I hope those sweet dogs up for adoption found their homes too. Dogs can live good lives in apartments too, it just takes effort.”
His post on July 19 has garnered over 17,000 upvotes and 561 comments as of Monday afternoon.
He told Newsweek that he spends the entire day with Mac while working from home. Once he logs off, the two go on a daily 2-mile run followed by a 2-mile walk home.
“My vet advises me on proper food, exercise and lifestyle options for him,” he added. “He’s taken very good care of.
Reddit Users React
Reddit users flooded the comments section with similar stories of being turned down from animal shelters based on their living conditions.
One user wrote: “I swear, you can’t win with some of these rescue centres. So we’re having to look at the same – buying a dog despite desperately wanting to adopt.”
A second added: “They denied a good life for 3 dogs. This is unbelievable.”
And a third commented: “Adoption rules/policies, while perhaps well-intentioned, are so infuriating.”
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