Why Abandoned Shelter Dog Refuses To Leave Car After Day Out Breaks Hearts

A video of a dog "falling into depression" after he was left at an animal shelter has gone viral on TikTok.

The clip was posted by the Mercy Full Project (@mercyfullproject), an animal rescue based in Tampa, Florida. The video has had over 912,000 views since it was shared three days ago.

A message overlaid on the video read: "This is what happens when you abandon your dog with an animal shelter. After a 'doggy day out' with one of our volunteers, Bruno refused to get out of the car."

A voice says in the clip said "it's okay, come on" as a woman opened the car door and the pup turned away from the camera. Another message across the screen read: "He kept moving to the other side every time she opened the door. He knew was going back to the cage."

"I know you don't want to go buddy," the voice said as Bruno sat down in a corner near the opposite door before the clip ended.

A caption shared with the post said:: "Bruno is falling into a depression. He won't eat & doesn't even want to go potty. He desperately needs a foster or new forever home. Shelter life is not for him (or any pup)."

Each year, some 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Can Dogs Get Depressed?

Dr. Jerry Klein, the American Kennel Club's chief veterinary officer, told Newsweek in October 2021 that our canine companions can certainly become depressed and anxious. There have been reports of dogs experiencing depression and loneliness following the loss of an owner or a "fellow member" of their pack, be it a human or another animal, as well as a change from their normal routine.

However, from a strictly scientific standpoint, there isn't "strong evidence" that dogs feel what people would classify as sadness, Klein said.

"Dogs live more in the moment and don't have the 'self-consciousness' or the tendency to inwardly ponder like people do," the veterinarian explained.

There is also the argument that if dogs do experience sadness, it is usually short-lived, whereas depression is much longer-lasting, Klein added.

'This Is Heartbreaking'

A message overlaid on a later video posted by the Mercy Full Project on January 28 revealed Bruno was "going to his new forever home" the next day.

Several TikTokers were moved to tears over the scene in the latest viral clip.

User sashabear_2004 said: "Omg this is heartbreaking."

Miki Thomson wrote: "Gosh so true so sad."

User franny noted: "put tears in my eyes."

Janea B said: "He is beautiful & he wants love..."

MeltDown1164 wrote: "Awwwwwww........pooooooooor innocent pup."

User heatherthompson218 noted: "Poor baby! How can people do this to their fur babies?"

TracyinTexas70 said: "Pets are forever. Don't abandon them. If you can't commit to a lifetime of love, don't get one."

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok and email.

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