A Labrador mix named Katana had a long journey to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Center, according to workers who traced her microchip to the Hurricane Harvey flood zone.
Until just weeks ago, Katana was cared for by an animal rescue group called Pups in Peril in Beaumont, Texas.
"They were overwhelmed because of the hurricane," said MCACC spokesman Jose Santiago. "They needed not only to find homes for the dogs in their possession but any more that they would pick up because of the hurricane."
A Valley charity that trucked emergency supplies to Texas this month, saw the need to find new homes for hundreds of animals. The volunteers agreed to take 12 dogs, including Katana, to pair with Arizona families.
"It was just a matter of trying to open our hearts up, to accept something different, and try to do something right by what was happening out there," said Brian Morris from the charity We Support Texas.
But Katana was recently turned into MCACC by the same owner who had just adopted her as an owner surrender.
Morris says he didn't realize one of the 12 dogs was in need again, until reporters called Wednesday morning.
"I felt like my heart just sank," Morris said. "I felt like I've been kicked in the gut."
Morris and another volunteer brought paperwork to the shelter to claim the dog.
Pups in Peril in Texas tells ABC15 they now want Katana back. Morris says he's willing to drive her to East Texas next week to guarantee she'll be back in loving hands.
Animal welfare workers urge people to be sure they can provide a forever home for a dog or cat when they are adopting, so situations like the don’t arise.
