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When Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS) received a call about an older black dog wandering in a local park, staff assumed the rescue would lead to a joyful reunion. The dog had a collar and tags, a sign that he likely belonged to someone who cared. But what they found was a different story—one that brought both heartbreak and hope.
The dog, a 10-year-old Labrador mix named Rigsby, wasn’t a stranger to the shelter. He had been adopted from MCAS six years earlier by a family believed to be loving and responsible. Staff had celebrated his adoption back then, thinking he was heading toward a wonderful life. Now, discovering him abandoned was a devastating surprise.
Let Down by the People He Trusted
Rigsby’s identification tags, which read “#SWEETHRT” and “#ICHASECATS,” hinted at his personality. But when MCAS contacted his previous owners, they were shocked by their response—they didn’t want him back.
“His owners were called, and they do not want him back,” shelter volunteer Madeline shared on Instagram. “He is the sweetest guy and must be confused why he’s back at the shelter he was adopted from in 2019.”
Despite the emotional blow of being left behind, Rigsby remained calm and affectionate. His gentle nature shone through right away, and he quickly formed bonds with the shelter staff. He seemed to remember the place, but not the heartbreak that had brought him back.
Still Full of Love and Life
Back at the shelter, Rigsby rode quietly in the car, settling in as if he understood he was safe again. He even made a new canine friend in the kennel and impressed staff with his good behavior.
“He is potty trained, has been quiet in his kennel and knows ‘sit’ and ‘shake,’” Madeline noted. “He’s sharing his kennel with another old man and does very well.”
A veterinary checkup confirmed that Rigsby needed hospice care. Finding a home for an elderly black dog is already challenging—finding one for a hospice dog is even harder. But just when it seemed like the odds were stacked against him, something extraordinary happened.
A Second Chance That Felt Meant to Be
Not long after Rigsby’s return, The Forgotten Pet Advocates (FPA) received a message from a longtime supporter named Linda. She had recently called looking to foster a black Lab who was at least 10 years old. When FPA saw Rigsby’s face online, they felt it was fate.
Linda came to meet Rigsby, bringing her senior dog Bentley along. From the moment they met, the connection between them was clear. Bentley welcomed Rigsby, and Rigsby immediately felt at ease with both his new canine brother and human mom.
A Loving Home at Last
With paperwork signed, the three headed home together to start their new life. Rigsby, now surrounded by comfort and care, quickly adapted to his new surroundings.
“Rigsby has settled right in perfectly, and Bentley is so happy to have him there!” FPA shared on Facebook. “They sleep side by side, and Rigsby just wants to be near both his brother and his Mama! We couldn’t be happier for this sweet boy!”
Though Rigsby’s story began with loss, it now continues in love. The team at MCAS and FPA, while saddened by how his journey unfolded, are relieved to know he’s finally where he belongs.
“The stars finally aligned for Rigsby. He will never have to worry again.”
