
Unleashed - Episode 87 Adopted, Trained, Loved… Returned: The Truth About Taking a Dog Back
From Unleashed - Pet Life Radio Original by Pet Life Radio
January 8, 2026 · 29 min
About this episode
Cheryl Kaye discusses the joys and challenges of dog ownership with Brian, who shares his experience with his dog Forrest and the emotional impact of returning a pet.
On this episode of Unleashed, Cheryl Kaye meets Brian at the dog park and hears the heartwarming story of Forrest —Brian’s very first dog at age 43—adopted through Magic City Canine, a unique prison-based training program at the Everglades Correctional Institution. Brian shares what it’s really like to finally become a dog dad: the joy, the bonding, the routines, the unexpected responsibilities, and how Forrest has fit into family life with teenagers and a cat at home. Cheryl and Brian talk dog-park dynamics, training, hand signals, ball-thief behavior, leash manners, pool safety, and the surprising ways dogs change your social life and daily rhythm. Then, in a powerful addendum, Cheryl reveals that Forrest was returned—and delivers an emotional, eye-opening message about what “returning” a dog can do to their trust, confidence, and sense of home, reminding listeners that adopting a pet must be a forever commitment. EPISODE NOTES: Adopted, Trained, Loved… Returned: The Truth About Taking a Dog Back Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unleashed-pet-life-radio-original--6669265/support .
People in this episode
Host: Cheryl Kaye
Guest: Brian
Topics covered
- dog adoption
- dog training
- pet responsibility
- family dynamics
- dog behavior
Keywords
- dog park
- bonding
- training
- trust
- commitment
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Magic City Canine
Books & works: Unleashed -, Adopted, Trained, Loved… Returned: The Truth About Taking a Dog Back, Unleashed
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