By Maria Azzurra VolpeShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberIn a viral TikTok video, a shelter volunteer revealed how a dog who keeps being overlooked in shelter is changing, breaking hearts among internet users.
The clip, shared in November by Jackie Gonzalez, a volunteer at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, under the username @jjack.iie, shows the small pup, Johnny, playfully barking at the camera, excited as the poster films him on her phone.
"Meet Johnny, an 8-year-old boy who was surrendered to our shelter and has been quietly fading into the background ever since," Gonzalez told Newsweek.
She said that, though Johnny is a sweet, affectionate dog who loves cuddles, exploring, and playing with other dogs, he has been overlooked for far too long and hasn’t received any interest—and this is taking a toll on him.
...Gonzalez added: "As the days go by, Johnny is beginning to experience kennel stress, watching families walk past his kennel without ever choosing him. He’s hoping for an active, loving family to finally see the good boy he is and give him the second chance he’s been waiting for."
Shelters across the country are overwhelmed with animals that arrive every day as strays or surrenders. While the number of adoption has improved a lot in the past few years, thanks to owners who decide to save shelter pets, the problem is still far from over.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that almost 6 million pets entered shelters nationwide last year, an equal split between cats and dogs.
But, unfortunately, not all the animals that enter in shelter are able to find a family, and often those that don’t, end up being euthanized for lack of space in the facilities.
As of last year, only about 2 million dogs were adopted into new loving homes, 554,000 were returned to their owner, 524,000 were transferred to other organizations, and 334,000 were euthanized.
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The video has so far received over 1,600 views and 405 likes on the platform.
One user, Aj, commented: "Ugh this makes me so sad. Praying this innocent baby finds the most loving forever family as soon as possible."
Mariana added: "Someone please give this baby a chance."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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