‘Sweet’ dogs were adopted together, but it didn’t work out. They need a new home (2025)

UPDATE: After dogs Nitro and Mr. Brownie were adopted together, a North Carolina shelter announced later the same week that both of them were returned due to a landlord issue. Now, the two pups wait for a new home.

“These two dogs have had their whole life turned upside down,” The Lenoir County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) wrote April 24 in a Facebook post. “From living a happy life with good people to being in the shelter for months, just to get adopted and returned shortly afterwards.”

The original story is below.

Two “sweet” dogs waited for a home after losing their owner — then came good news.

“It’s rare for bonded pairs to be adopted together, and we had heartbreakingly stopped hoping for that miracle,” a North Carolina animal shelter wrote April 23 on Facebook. “But then… their new mom walked in, fell in love, and took both boys home.”

The Lenoir County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said canine friends Nitro and Mr. Brownie are now settling into their new home. They landed at the shelter when their previous owner received a diagnosis and couldn’t take care of them anymore, according to past social media posts.

“Tragically their owner died and they have been looking for new homes for months now,” the shelter wrote April 22, when the dogs were still up for adoption. “Finding a home for one large dog is a (feat) by itself, but finding one home willing to take two large dogs at the same time is nearly impossible. While they do not have to be adopted together, we are going to shoot our shot.”

The shelter said Nitro and Mr. Brownie had lived in a loving home and wanted them to end up in a similar environment. The roughly 5-year-old pups were known for being happy, “well mannered and so sweet.”

Though Nitro and Mr. Brownie once lived together, the shelter said the pair had been separated since Jan. 29. Then after nearly three months of waiting, their new owner fell for both of them and put an end to their time spent apart.

“Together again,” the shelter wrote. “Forever this time. We’re beyond grateful.”

The SPCA didn’t respond to McClatchy News’ requests for additional information on April 23. The animal organization is in Kinston, a roughly 80-mile drive southeast from Raleigh.

This story was originally published April 24, 2025 at 10:37 AM.