Shelter workers encounter a variety of animals and hear numerous reasons why owners relinquish their pets. They often doubt these accounts and recognize that there’s typically more to the story than what owners say.

Unfortunately, many animals end up in shelters, awaiting the perfect family to adopt them.

In the autumn of 2014, Gumby, an affectionate and charming dog, was brought to a shelter in Charleston, South Carolina. The shelter staff immediately recognized his playful and loving nature and anticipated that it might take some time for him to find a permanent home. Unfortunately, their prediction proved true as Gumby was returned just three days after being adopted.

Incredibly, this pattern repeated itself a staggering ten times, including two instances where Gumby returned to the shelter by himself. Shelter staff were initially puzzled by this unusual behavior but eventually discovered that Gumby felt a deep sense of belonging at the shelter and believed it was his true home.

This was because he played a vital role in welcoming and comforting new dogs, who often arrived at the shelter feeling anxious and disoriented. Gumby’s natural empathy and compassion made him an invaluable member of the shelter community.

Gumby’s significance extended beyond the shelter as he became a beloved figure in the wider community. He was even featured in an annual local firefighter’s calendar, which raised funds for charity. Moreover, Gumby’s blood type was found to be compatible with both dogs and cats, making him a regular blood donor and an even more valuable member of the community.