There’s an increasing number of dogs that are left homeless, either because of the irresponsibility of their owners or just sheer bad luck.  Those who are lucky enough to be saved by a rescue organization await the long process of finding a home that suits their needs, and people who are capable of caring for them for the rest of their lives.

A heartbreaking picture of a dog named Lana has gone viral this week after she was returned to an animal rescue center by her adoptive family. The employees at the rescue center claim that she was ‘terrified of everything.’ She was adopted by a family as a puppy and was later returned because they felt they couldn’t meet her needs and had to put the needs of their children first.

Lana wouldn’t eat her food and was too heartbroken to even go out for a walk. However, when the woman who nursed Lana as a puppy tried to get through to her, she said the ‘silly, sweet’ dog ran into her arms as soon as she recognized her.

Lana has since been fostered, and serves as a reminder that while it is incredibly noble to adopt a shelter dog, it is a commitment, and not one to be taken lightly.