For most people, the number 13 is nothing more than a superstition. But for a big-hearted dog named Ronald, bad luck seemed to stretch well past that number.
Ronald had been adopted and returned not once or twice, but fourteen painful times before his story finally changed.
Each time he thought he had a family, it slipped away, leaving him back in the care of the SPCA of Wake County.
A Dog’s Streak of Bad Luck
Ronald’s story was never about being a “bad” dog. He was affectionate, playful, and eager to please. His real challenge was his size and energy.
Families would fall in love with his sweet expression and warm personality, but once they brought him home, many realized they couldn’t manage a dog who was strong, lively, and full of enthusiasm.
For Ronald, it meant another trip back to the shelter, his tail still wagging, hoping the next time would be different.
The staff at the shelter never gave up on him. They saw past the misunderstandings, recognizing that Ronald was a wonderful dog who simply needed the right family.
They knew his heart was as big as his body, and they were determined to find someone who could see that too.
A Plea That Reached the World
Knowing Ronald deserved better, the SPCA decided to share his story with the world. They created a post on Facebook, explaining that this “big boy” had been returned fourteen times.
Their message admitted he was strong and full of energy, but it also celebrated his gentle nature. Ronald, they wrote, listened well, accepted treats with care, and loved to show off his tricks.
They called him “100% sweet” and a “very good boy.”
The shelter hoped the right person would see beyond the label of “too much” and realize what a treasure he was.
The post spread like wildfire, reaching almost a million people in a single day. Comments poured in with encouragement, prayers, and offers of support.
Strangers cheered Ronald on, sharing his story again and again to help him find a permanent home.
Even with the outpouring of kindness, only one person stepped forward with the determination to adopt him. Her name was Kiersten Davis.
She wasn’t intimidated by Ronald’s size or energy. Instead, she saw a dog who needed understanding and stability. She knew her family could give him the life he had been waiting for.
A Home Worth Waiting For
When Kiersten was told she was first in line to meet Ronald, she wasted no time. She jumped into her car, drove to the shelter, and brought him home that very day.
She couldn’t wait to introduce him to her children and to their Australian Shepherd, another rescue dog already part of the family.
From the very beginning, Ronald seemed to know that this time was different.
At Kiersten’s home, Ronald’s energy was no longer seen as a problem. Instead, it was welcomed as part of his charm.
He fit into their family routine with ease, proving that what others had considered “too much” was simply the joyful spirit of a dog eager to be loved.
Kiersten later said that Ronald blended in perfectly, as though he had always belonged there.
Today, Ronald is no longer on trial. He is not waiting in a kennel or hoping for another chance. He is a permanent member of Kiersten’s family, enjoying playtime, training, and the comfort of a home where he is truly wanted.
His journey from rejection to acceptance shows just how powerful patience and compassion can be.
The SPCA expressed deep gratitude for everyone who shared his story, noting how the community’s support helped Ronald reach nearly a million people in only one day.
They reminded the public that shelters are still full of dogs just like Ronald — animals who are waiting for families willing to give them the love and stability they deserve.
Ronald may have been the lucky one this time, but his story is a reminder that every dog deserves a chance to be someone’s forever companion.