Animal lovers tried everything to save the life of a young German shepherd dog that was running out of time when he was returned from adoption after just two days, but to no avail.

Amanda Downes, founder of advocacy group and nonprofit Advocate 4 Paws, told Newsweek: "Beckett's story is sadly all too common of an occurrence.

"He was adopted from the shelter by a family and, after only two days, they decided they no longer wanted him, and returned him like he was an item of clothing they no longer wanted and not a living and breathing soul."

Downes, who works to share vital stories of shelter animals that need help quickly, knew when she saw Beckett's story that he was in danger of being euthanized. She took to her Instagram account @advocate4paws in the hopes someone could swoop in and save the dog.

The video, shared in May, shows the 3-year-old dog getting cuddled by a shelter staff member, smiling at the camera and preparing to go outside and play.

Words over the video said Beckett had a "taste of freedom" but was returned after 48 hours, with his adopters almost immediately giving up on him. And, because he was returned, he had been signed off for euthanasia.

"This sweet boy got a taste of freedom only for it to be ripped away for him to be dumped back at the shelter, not given any time to decompress after the trauma he has been through," the poster wrote, adding; "Beckett is on borrowed time and needs a hero NOW."

But despite a huge response from Instagram followers, with Beckett's story being liked over 35,000 times and hundreds commenting on the post, it wasn't enough: Beckett was euthanized a week later.

Downes told Newsweek: "People need to understand when they bring home a dog from the shelter they need to have realistic expectations for them. These dogs have been in a kennel for 23.5 hours a day, seven days a week; they need time to decompress to set them up for success.

"These dogs need patience and love and time to be separated from any other dogs in the home for at least a few days," Downes added.

She pleaded for people to remember that dogs are not disposable, and that, when you adopt, you promise to "take care of them for the rest of their lives."

"I've seen a dog have an accident in a home right out of the shelter and be returned … you'd never give up on a family member, so why give up on our four-legged family members? Instead, help them through it," Downes said.

Animal lovers were devastated by Beckett's story, with one writing: "I'm heartbroken. I'm so sorry people failed him."

"Adopters should have a knowledge test," another posted. "Returning a dog after 2 days is ridiculous. They need time to acclimate."

One described it as "soul crushing," and another commented: "I'm so sorry Beckett. I will never understand people who do that to an animal."

Around 6.3 animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Each year, around 920,000 animals are euthanized, including 390,000 dogs.

Downes said she started Advocate 4 Paws to help at-risk animals get fostered or adopted by sharing their stories to her page, and the organization has recently expanded to become a rescue of its own.

"Getting these dogs seen is helping them get saved," Downes added. "I'm looking forward to helping more dogs and using advocacy to try and prevent more cases like Beckett's."

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