“He growled like a puppy and wagged his tail when I called him ‘Roofie Boy’”: Eight years after giving up his dog, one man tracks him down for one last tug-of-war and the peace he thought he’d never find

Author image for Laurent Shinar
Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Jul 30, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

Giving up a family member is tough, whether they stand on four paws or two legs. No one wants to do it, but in the end, this is a hooman world and not every part of it is well suited to support the life of a four pawed buddy. So sometimes we are put in the particularly tough position of having to say goodbye to those that we love. As was the case for the ex-pawrent who posted this story.

But he did not want to let his past change of circumstance, dictate the rest of his life, nor would he left his life go on without knowing that the piece of his heart he left behind was in good hands and living a happy life. And as such we step into the story of Roofie Dog whose pawrent spent eight long years tracking him down so that they could have one more magical moment of connection together before they would go their separate ways furever. Love truly knows no species. 
 

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  • 01
    In early 2016, I adopted a beautiful Lab-Indie mix and named him Rufus. He wasn't just a pet — he was family. But later that
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    year, due to circumstances I still struggle to forgive myself for, I had to give him up.
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  • This is one of the hardest situations to explain and to communicate to others. The instinct is to be mad at the person for giving up their family member. But the truth is that sometimes it is the only way to do what is best for them. We cannot know what their life would have been like if they had stayed together, and if it can be done responsibly, then passing on your pet can be the best thing for them.

  • 03
    RUFUS
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    We gave Rufus to a school/college in Borivali, Mumbai, where a kind and loving family adopted him. The family had a mother and daughter — I believe the father lived - abroad. We used to visit
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    him for a few months afterward. Each visit was comforting but also a painful reminder that I had let down someone who loved me unconditionally. Eventually, we stopped going. It hurt too much.
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  • 06
    I moved countries, changed phones, changed numbers... but Rufus never left my thoughts. Recently, I
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    NTO \ME IS NO
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    found an old number that might have belonged to - the family — it's now switched off. I'm in Mumbai for just a week, and I know it's a long shot, but if anyone
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    Kristin, or anyone who knew this family or remembers Rufus - sees this, please reach out.
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    I don't even know if he's still here or if he's crossed the rainbow bridge. But if there's even the smallest chance I could see him again, hold him, or just know how his life turned out it would mean the world.
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    Please don't hate me -| already carry a lot of guilt. I know Reddit can be tough, but I'm just a human trying to reconnect with someone I loved. If you can help, or know someone who can, please do.
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    Cheezburger Image 10535930368
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  • Wow what an honest and heartfelt moment to take place on reddit. Often people pour out their soul in thier stories on reddit, but lets face it, it is usually to complain that someone spilled their latte and the barista did not give them a free refill. But this previous pupper pawrent turly wanted one more shot to fill the hole in their heart.

  • 13
    Another detail i missed in the post: The family after sometime (probably a year or so) reached out to us asking if there's someone else i know who would be willing to adopt Rufus, as
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    the daughter was entering her 10th/12th grade and wanted to focus on studies or they were planning to join the father abroad - I dont exactly remember.
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    My heart sank as we didn't know anyone who would want to adopt him. I was too afraid to follow up on what eventually happened.
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    Multiquick 1
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    IntroductionDue7663 If you love him, don't go to meet him. He will be sad for days after you leave. That is not ideal for our furry friends.
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    Update I can hardly believe I'm writing this I found - Rufus.
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    I managed to find the daughter through LinkedIn, and to my overwhelming relief and joy, Rufus is still with the same loving family who adopted him 8 years ago.
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    After years of holding onto guilt, questions, and what-ifs, I finally broke down buckets of tears, but this time, from happiness.
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    Cheezburger Image 10535930112
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    He's safe. He's healthy. He's happy. And above all, he's deeply loved.
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    They kindly shared some photos of him - and my heart just melted. He's still the same goofy soul, with his signature Dobby ears and those forever- hungry, soulful eyes. Seeing him now... a part of me feels healed.
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    I'll always carry the memory of letting him go, but today I know, without a doubt, he found the home he truly deserved. A better one than I could've ever given him at the time.
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    To the wonderful family who gave him everything thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I am at peace. I am grateful. I am healed.
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    Thank you. I met him today. He's very happy and loved. I think he vaguely remembers me, couldn't really tell since he was fully focused and content with the treats and toys i got him, hehe.
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    He growls like a puppy, we played some tug of war and he jumped around a lot. I hugged him, showered lots of kisses, it was magical.
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    He is sucha young soul, wagged his tail every time i called him 'roofie boy' can't believe he is a senior dog now. May he live the rest of his life happily with minimal pain. My pretty Angel
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