When McStuffins first arrived at Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook, Illinois, everyone was drawn to her charm.
She had the kind of personality that made people smile the moment they met her. What made her even more unforgettable were her striking eyes—one a different color from the other.
That small detail, combined with her playful spirit, gave her an appearance that stood out among the many dogs waiting for a chance at love.
A Dog With Two Different Eyes And A Heart Full Of Love
Because of her joyful energy and unique look, McStuffins was quickly adopted. The shelter team celebrated, believing her story had reached a happy ending.
They thought she had finally found the place where she belonged. But just a few months later, their hearts sank when McStuffins was brought back to the shelter.
What seemed like a dream come true had slipped away far too soon.
@eric.and.joey When we walked into the shelter this morning to film an update, we couldn't find her anywhere… and that's because she's HOME. After our last video, McStuffins received 7 adoption applications within hours. The very next day, someone from Illinois came in and adopted her. She now has a sibling pup to play with and a safe place to finally relax. McStuffins had been struggling with the stress of shelter life, and knowing she's out and thriving is the best news we could ask for. We couldn't have done this without you. Every share, like, and comment made this happen. Thank you for helping McStuffins find her forever family. #dogs #adoptadog ♬ were going to be friends – speedylyric
Two content creators, Eric Noxon and Joey Masloski, who use their TikTok platform to spotlight overlooked shelter animals, were devastated by the news.
They had shared McStuffins’ story before and couldn’t believe she was back behind kennel doors. To them, it didn’t make sense—how could such a sweet, affectionate dog be without a home?
A Cycle Of Hope And Disappointment
Noxon and Masloski began visiting McStuffins regularly.
They would take her outside for runs, throw the ball for her, and spend time showing her that she mattered. Each visit deepened their connection to her.
They often described how her enthusiasm for life shone through, even when her situation was heartbreaking.
One day, they arrived for another playdate only to discover McStuffins wasn’t there. At first, they were overjoyed—someone had adopted her again.
They quietly hoped this time she had finally found the right match. But their joy was short-lived.
Within just 24 hours, she was returned. The disappointment stung not just for McStuffins but also for those who had grown to love her from afar.
The heartbreak didn’t stop there. Soon after, another potential adopter applied to meet her. Everyone’s hopes lifted once again.
But that meeting never happened—the person simply never showed up. For McStuffins, it was another crushing blow in a growing list of letdowns.
@eric.and.joey 90 days and still no adoption inquiries for sweet McStuffins. It was a hot one here in Chicago, but everyone is safe and rehydrated. We are not stopping until McStuffins finds her forever home… After our run we made sure to feed them some of The Honest Kitchen treats. Healthy, human grade dogs treats from @The Honest Kitchen offer so many nutrients that support a healthy diet. #sponsored #runfordogs ♬ Stories 2 – Danilo Stankovic
Shelter staff began noticing changes in her behavior. Days spent confined in a kennel were taking a toll on her spirit.
A once carefree and bright dog was struggling with the loneliness of waiting. Volunteers could see her frustration building, not because she lacked love, but because she had no outlet to share it.
“When dogs are stuck here too long, you see the sadness grow,” one staff member explained. And for McStuffins, the sadness was becoming harder to hide.
Waiting For The Right Family
Though it was difficult to watch her be passed over time and time again, Noxon, Masloski, and the shelter staff refused to lose hope.
They recognized that each failed adoption attempt wasn’t a total loss. Instead, it taught them something important about what McStuffins truly needed.
She wasn’t meant to live with other pets, and she required a family who could embrace her boundless energy rather than be overwhelmed by it.
Rather than dwell on the heartbreak, the volunteers chose gratitude.
They thanked the people who had given McStuffins a chance, even if it didn’t work out.
Those brief experiences had given them the clarity to better understand the kind of home where she would thrive. They now knew McStuffins needed an active family who could give her the time, patience, and love she deserved.
@eric.and.joey This is a video we hoped to never have to make, but the reality is – life doesn't always work the way we want it to… If it wasn't the right fit then you can force it… Thank you for giving her a shot and now we will keep trying to get her home. I believe everything happens for a reason, and this just means we are just one step closer to the perfect home for McStuffins. Available @Border Tails Rescue #adoptadog ♬ Daylight – David Kushner
Noxon and Masloski remain determined to help her story reach the right person.
They continue sharing videos of her on TikTok, capturing her playful runs and soulful eyes, hoping her forever family might see her through the screen.
They believe someone out there will recognize what a treasure she is and open their heart completely.
For now, McStuffins waits, her mismatched eyes shining with both hope and longing. She has been let down more times than she deserves, but those who love her know her happy ending is still waiting.
Somewhere beyond the walls of the shelter, a family is searching for exactly the kind of love McStuffins has to give. And when they finally meet her, she will never have to wonder again if she belongs.
If you’d like to welcome McStuffins into your family, you can apply for her adoption here.