Helena is a charming four year old boxer mix from Atlanta, Georgia with a smile for everyone. She thought she'd found her perfect home when she was adopted from Fulton County Animal Services, a shelter ran by LifeLine Animal Project. She was only in her new home for a few months, though, before she was returned to the shelter for being too loving. According to Karen Hirsch of LifeLine Animal Project, the man who adopted Helena said she should be adopted by a woman next time around instead, because, "they are more into that petting stuff." Speculation suggest that the man was looking for more of a rough and tumble dog who was something of a loner, whereas Helena just wanted love and hugs. If that's not the saddest story you've ever heard then I don't know what to tell you.
In a Facebook post, the shelter said: "Introducing… the sweetest, nicest, snuggliest dog in the ATL. Helena was recently returned to our Fulton County Animal Services location after her new owners said she was too nice and just wanted to be around them all the time. This ‘Velcro dog’ sounds just about perfect to us. And we know there’s a family out there waiting to spend their nights binge-watching Netflix and snuggling with this sweet velvet hippo." Helena was given the nickname 'The Velcro dog' because she loves to stick by you all day and be your little furry companion. The post was widely shared and actually caused a lot of interest in the 'velvet hippo', and eventually led to her being adopted by a family who love to be around her just as much as she loves them.
After the Facebook appeal, competition was fierce for the little pup and one lucky family were chosen to take her in. Their names aren't known, but Karen says they're in for a serious treat with Helena: "She just wants attention. If you stop petting her, she will request you continue. She wants to be the centre of your world all the time. Ideally, we wanted her to go to a home where she can be smothered in love, and where someone can be the soft side to her Velcro." Helena's breed isn't fully known, but she looks to be a Pit Bull mix which are typically considered to be aggressive breeds. That might be why her first owner choose her, but clearly Helena is an exception because she's a lap dog through and through.
