A disabled dog who was adopted after three years at the shelter has suffered the heartbreak of being returned months later.

Cola was found wandering the streets of India in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. She was rescued by Kannan Animal Welfare alongside her brother Floofy.

In March 2023, Cola made the epic journey over to the U.S. and Twenty Paws Rescue (TPR), a rescue and rehabilitation facility operating in the New York City tristate.

By the time Cola arrived in the U.S., she had already lost her two hind legs. “Something happened to her, we don’t exactly know what. However, it left her so devastatingly injured that she lost her two back legs,” Rachel, co-founder of TPR, told Newsweek.

Cola began her time in the U.S. by staying with a foster carer. It was a huge adjustment. “When Cola arrived at TPR, she was very shy and fearful. Understandably, the transition from shelter life in India to a foster home abroad would be a tremendous adjustment for any dog,” Rachel said.

But, as time drew on, Cola grew in confidence and learned how to adapt to life on two legs. “She truly has no limitations,” Rachel said. “She can run around, use the stairs; you name it. Truly, Cola is a strong little girl who embodies resilience and adaptability.”

Eager to help her get adopted after hearing her story, pet food company Royal Canin stepped in to offer one year’s worth of its dog food to anyone who adopted her.

Cola’s inspiring story touched thousands of hearts and, ultimately, led to her adoption. Decked out in a custom 3D wheelchair, Cola, now aged 4, left the shelter and headed off into the sunset and a life in a new forever home.

It was the happiest of endings. But, sadly, it did not last.

Animals end up at the shelter for any number of reasons, with each heartbreaking in its own unique way. A 2024 analysis published in the journal Animals sought to identify the most commonly cited. Over 2,000 shelter animal records from a five-year period were analyzed as part of the study

The results showed that behavioral issues (28 percent), housing/moving (18 percent), and the inability to care for the animals (16 percent) were the most commonly cited. In terms of behavioral issues, aggression, social conflict, and soiling were the most common.

Compatibility appears to have been at the heart of Cola’s issues.

A Royal Canin spokesperson told Newsweek: “Responsibility and compatibility go hand in hand in pet ownership, and it is a core tenant of Royal Canin’s beliefs. While it is obviously often the last-case scenario to rehome a pet, sometimes responsible pet ownership means understanding when it is not the right fit and pivoting to find the best environment for the pet, which is what we’re trying to do for Cola.”

The spokesperson continued: “After eight months in her adoptive home, Cola and the resident pets (three dogs and two cats) weren’t a perfect fit. Her adopters made the difficult but loving decision to put her back up for adoption so she can find a home where she can truly thrive.”

Cola’s adoptive family are keen to make the transition to a new home as smooth as possible. The plan is for her to remain with her previous adoptive family until finding her a new adoptive family.

Anyone keen on adopting Cola needs to understand she is a dog with special needs. For example, Cola is incontinent, though that is an issue easily managed with diapers and a harness. Anyone willing to put in the time will be rewarded with a truly special canine companion, though.

The Royal Canin spokesperson said: “She’s resilient, and loves being the center of someone’s world. We believe she’ll do best in a calm, low-key home—potentially as the only pet, or with one easygoing companion who won’t mind sharing the spotlight. She deserves a family willing to embrace the joy (and quirks!) of life with a specially abled pup.”

The spokesperson continued: “Cola has overcome so much and has so much love to give. We’re hoping to find her the forever home she’s been waiting for.”

As a bonus for Cola’s future adopters, Royal Canin will provide one year of food for Cola and a session with a vet to help the adopter acclimate to a special- dog.