Man Adopts 'Beautiful' Dog from Shelter. 4 Months Later, the Original Owners Call Him (Exclusive)

When Patrice Lavoie adopted dog Leon in July 2024, there wasn’t a thought in his mind that he would be returning his new pup to his original family just four months later.

Lavoie’s TikTok video showcasing the unexpected story captured the hearts of many.

A shelter volunteer, Lavoie initially stumbled upon Leon when working at the SPA of Quebec City. “I thought he was beautiful,” Lavoie tells PEOPLE exclusively. “As soon as he saw me from afar, he stopped barking. Something clicked, and I felt an emotional connection.”

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At the time, Lavoie was unable to immediately adopt Leon due to certain rules at the shelter, but his patience paid off, and he was ultimately able to take Leon home after weeks of waiting.

During their time together, Lavoie learned more about Leon’s complicated past. Originally named Munster, Leon had been passed through multiple families before arriving at the shelter. But what Lavoie didn't know was that someone was out there looking for the dog.

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One day, Lavoie shared a photo of the duo on a dog lovers’ group on Facebook, when someone recognized Leon as the long-lost dog they’d been searching for for nearly two years. “I couldn’t believe it when they reached out to me,” he recalls. “They were crying — they couldn’t believe their dog had finally been found.”

Lavoie carefully considered relinquishing Leon, but knew it was the right thing to do to reunite the lost dog with his original family, who also owned the pup's mom and dad. “I felt like it was their dog. It was heartwarming to see him so happy,” he says. “I knew I made the right choice.”

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Many TikTok users agree with Lavoie's move. “You saved that baby and cared for him until his owners were found and that makes you his guardian angel for life,” one user says. “Thank you for having a golden heart.”

“My heart aches for you but thank you for returning him to his parents,” writes another.

Despite the sad farewell, Lavoie tells PEOPLE he still keeps in touch with Leon’s family and even visits the pup from time to time. He receives regular updates including pictures and videos of Leon living happily with his family.

This experience hasn't changed Lavoie's views on pet adoption; he still encourages others to adopt from shelters, too. “Every dog deserves a loving home. Sometimes it’s not about you, it’s about what’s best for the dog,” he says. “You have to open your heart and make the right decision for them.”

Read the original article on People