Feel Like Happy Crying? Watch This Shelter Dog’s Adorable Reaction To Being Adopted
Sometimes when I need to have a good happy cry, I watch videos of shelter dogs being told they’re going to their forever homes! No matter what their reaction looks like, there’s almost no better feeling than knowing that a dog gets to leave a stressful, scary place and live with a loving family. (watch video below)
This compilation of videos shared on TikTok by Pet Works is exactly the kind of heartwarming content I love. Featuring videos made by one dedicated animal shelter worker, each video is shot right after their new homes confirm that they want to adopt. At the shelter featured in these videos, reserved and adopted dogs get orange signs telling everyone they are destined for a forever family!
@petworks_ #dog Shelter Dogs Reaction to Being Adopted #react #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok #fyp ♬ original sound – Pet Works
What Life Is Like for Shelter Dogs
Animal shelter staff are some of the hardest working, most dedicated humans out there. Shelters are constantly plagued by budget issues, overcrowding, and sudden surprise expenses, but staff do their best to make life as comfortable for the dogs as possible. Unfortunately, even at the very best shelters in the country, life isn’t always easy for adoptable dogs.
Even highly social dogs can struggle in the crowded, noisy environment of a shelter. Most shelter dogs get at least a little time outside each day, but most of their time is spent in a kennel. Shelter staff do their best to give each dog some love, but there is simply no way every shelter dog can get as much attention as they really need to thrive.
Don’t Judge a Shelter Dog Too Quickly
Some dogs do okay in a shelter environment and can acclimate to the routine. These are typically the dogs who are super excited to be adopted—they have a little bit of confidence intact and are already showing some of their personality.
Some dogs feel very nervous in the shelter, but are still very human-oriented, and will wag and get excited to see people. These dogs can be a little timid when they are first adopted but often start to show their personalities within a few hours or days after coming home.
Unfortunately, some dogs get so overwhelmed and stressed by shelter life that they completely shut down. Some of these pups have experienced neglect or abuse before entering an animal shelter. Others are so traumatized by losing their former families and being left at a shelter that they cannot emotionally cope. Meeting one of these dogs in the shelter can give you a false impression of their true personality. It can take these dogs a long time to adjust to your home. It may be weeks before you see glimmers of confidence.
If you think a shelter dog might be right for you, but you’re having trouble knowing because they are shut down and nervous in the shelter, visit multiple times. Ask to take that dog for a walk! Some shelters also have outdoor areas where you can spend time with the dog away from the hustle and bustle of the shelter.
Read This Next
