Rescue Dog Who Found A Family After Being Returned To The Shelter Has Us In Tears

In a heartwarming story filled with more twists and turns than a Hollywood movie, Scoob the dog has finally found his forever home. From the low of being returned to an animal shelter after an unsuccessful adoption, to the high of appearing on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Scoob has experienced more drama than most dogs do in a lifetime. 

After being rescued from Georgia, Scoob wound up in Port Washington, New York, at the North Shore Animal League America. It's the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world, and since 1944, it has saved more than 1.2 million animals. 

A family took Scoob home, but after 1.5 years, his adopters returned him to the shelter because of his ongoing ear problems. Surgery fixed his ear issues, but living in the kennel environment proved stressful for the 2.5-year-old hound mix. This sweet and loving dog, described by shelter staff as a "cuddlebug" who loves to snuggle on laps, started showing signs of separation anxiety. It was crucial for Scoob to find a place he could call his permanent home — and that's when Stephen Colbert's staff came calling.

"Rescue Dog Rescue" is a regular segment on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," dating back to the late-night talk show's first season. In the segment, celebrity guests such as Seth Rogen and Jennifer Aniston help Colbert introduce the public to dogs waiting to be adopted from the North Shore Animal League America. The host and his guest make hysterically outrageous claims about the adoptable pooches, such as that the dog is a singer, a dancer, a chess champion, a Michelin-starred chef, or an expert at canceling gym memberships. After each "Rescue Dog Rescue" segment airs, the shelter notices an uptick in adoption inquiries. 

Scoob appeared in the segment on March 27, 2025, under the name Alberto. "Back in the '90s, Alberto invented the phrase 'all that and a bag of chips' and charged people a ton of money to use it. Now he owns three homes and a yacht," Colbert joked. "Adopt him and you'll get all that — and a bag of chips." Despite this (hilariously false) television endorsement, Scoob still didn't find a permanent home. 

For more than half a year, Scoob lived in the animal shelter and in a foster home. A Facebook post from July 2025 described him as "a soulful 2-year-old Hound mix who's had his heart broken more than once — but still greets everyone with a wagging tail and hopeful eyes." The post ended with a heartfelt plea: "Scoob has so much love to give — he just needs someone to finally give him a forever home he can count on. Could that be you?" 

Finally, in September 2025, the Kanders family said yes and took Scoob home, where he'll receive all the snuggles, pets, and treats that a very good boy deserves. People expressed their joy for Scoob and the Kanders on Facebook. "You are heroes! Scoob is so lucky! So happy for the 3 of you!" wrote Joan Aitchison Gauthier. "Thank you for giving Scoob the safe and loving forever home he deserves," commented Erica Johnson. "You're all so lucky to have found each other! Beautiful happy faces!" added Madelaine Scherb Pecci. 

If Scoob's story has inspired you to adopt a dog of your own, know that there are many rewarding reasons to adopt a mixed-breed dog like Scoob. It's also worth noting that although bringing home any new pet is a joyful experience, adopting the oldest dog in a shelter can be even more emotionally rewarding, for both you and the lucky pooch. Unconditional love, loyal companionship, slobbery kisses — all that, and a bag of chips.