In the world of rescue shelters, heartbreaking stories arrive every day. But few are as baffling—and as moving—as the story of Roxxie, a gentle 5-year-old pit bull whose only “flaw” was that she loved too much.

Roxxie was adopted from the Huntington County Humane Society in Indiana with high hopes of finally finding the family she had been waiting for. Friendly with cats, gentle with children, and adored by the shelter staff, she seemed like the perfect companion. But within just two weeks, her world was turned upside down—her adopters returned her for the most unexpected reason:

👉 She wanted to snuggle in bed at night.

“They told us Roxxie was too affectionate,” said Katy Hudson, the shelter’s board president. “We offered to help with training, but they didn’t want to try. It shocked us. Most people long for a dog who wants to love them this much.”

From joy to heartbreak

For Roxxie, the rejection was devastating. She went from wagging her tail in a warm home to curling up in a cold kennel, confused and broken-hearted. Shelter workers noticed her energy fade; the once-happy dog now refused to leave her bed, her eyes filled with sadness.

“She was crushed,” Hudson explained. “It was like she thought love itself had gotten her in trouble.”

A story that touched thousands

When the shelter shared Roxxie’s story on social media, the internet erupted with compassion. People across the country expressed disbelief that anyone could give up a dog for being “too snuggly.” Messages of support poured in, along with dozens of adoption applications.

“Her story helped change perceptions about pit bulls,” Hudson said. “So many assume they’re aggressive, but Roxxie is living proof that they can be gentle, tender, and full of love.”

The family she was meant for

Among the many applications, one stood out: the Chase family from Illinois. Having lost their beloved rescue dog Lucy a year earlier, they weren’t sure they were ready for another. But when they saw Roxxie’s story, something in her eyes reminded them of Lucy. They drove three hours to meet her, bringing along their six rescue cats.

It was an instant connection. Roxxie leaned against them, wagging her tail for the first time in weeks. The Chases knew she was meant to be part of their family.

The next day, the shelter staff gave Roxxie a sendoff worthy of a heroine. Lining up outside, they clapped and cheered as Roxxie trotted happily toward her new beginning. Her tail wagged fiercely, her eyes bright again with hope.

A royal new name for a royal heart

Today, Roxxie has a new name to match her new life: Lady Olivia Huntington, or Livvie for short. She spends her days snuggling in bed (just as she always wanted), enjoying car rides, and showering her new family with the affection they welcome with open arms.

“Livvie has brought so much healing to our home,” said her new mom, Jessica Chase. “We didn’t rescue her—she rescued us.”

From heartbreak to happiness, Roxxie’s story is a reminder that sometimes the very thing that makes us feel “too much” is exactly what makes us perfect.