After a heartbreaking adoption setback, Leo is safely on his way back to the St Francis Animal Rescue thanks to a loving community that refused to give him anything less than a safe, loving forever home.
St Francis Bay, South Africa (12 November 2026) – Adopting a dog is one of the most beautiful ways to welcome a new companion into your home, and animal welfare charities around the world rightly champion the life-changing power of giving a shelter dog a second chance.
However, despite the best intentions, patience, and care from everyone involved, dog adoption doesn’t always work out – as seen in the story of a dog named Leo.
Leo had been put up for adoption by St Francis Animal Rescue, and after the necessary processes were completed with his new owners, he found a new home in Cape Town. However, this new beginning was short-lived after the organisation discovered that the family had previously been rejected by two other Cape Town animal rescue organisations for failing to meet undisclosed adoption requirements.
St Francis Animal Rescue removed Leo from the home and placed him in the foster care of Laura Paarman.
Then the work to get Leo back to St Francis Bay began, with the organisation sending out urgent appeals for anyone travelling from Cape Town who could give Leo a lift back to the rescue shelter.
Josh Paarman stepped forward and is currently driving Leo, who has been through quite a whirlwind, back to the rescue centre.
“This is not what our lovely boy Leo deserved. He is truly a special dog, and we have no idea how we could have managed this situation from afar without the help of Laura, and now Josh. We’ve been anxious and heartbroken, but today is a good day,” the St Francis Animal Rescue team shared, thanking Laura and Josh Paarman for all their love and care for Leo while he was in Cape Town.
The organisation is now looking for a kind and loving foster home for Leo.
“He’s a dear, affectionate, well-behaved boy. He gets along with other dogs and cats (though he’s a little scared of kitties). Leo has been through a traumatic experience based on a mistake made by St Francis Animal Rescue.”
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Sources: St Francis Animal Rescue
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