Heartbreaking footage has emerged of a shelter dog who appears to have all but given up hope of ever being adopted.
In a video posted to TikTok last month under the handle @goodboygonehome, a shelter volunteer who asked not to be named, highlighted the plight of Espy. He’s currently being cared for by Austin Pets Alive!, an animal rescue in Texas, with staff desperate to find him a home or foster.
“Espy was adopted as a puppy in late 2019 from the Austin Animal Center but then owner surrendered again in March 2023,” the volunteer told Newsweek.
More From Newsweek Vault: The Top Rewards Credit Cards for Pet Owners
Espy struggled to adjust to life in the shelter system.
“As a highly intelligent, sensitive dog, who seeks emotional ties with people, it was hard for him to sit in his kennel alone for 23 hours a day,” the volunteer added. “During his 13-month stay at Austin Animal Center, he became increasingly stressed and had trouble sleeping due to the noisy environment.”
Eventually, Espy was placed in the Orange Dot group, a special group for dogs facing unique challenges in the shelter. Many of these dogs benefitted from one-on one time with compassionate volunteers.
More From Newsweek Vault: Compare Top Pet Insurance Plans For Dogs
In March 2024, Espy was transferred to Austin Pets Alive! where he could receive even more care and attention with the intention of helping him find his forever home. Unfortunately, that happy ending hasn’t arrived just yet.
The sad reality is that dogs like Espy who end up spending an extended period in the shelter struggle to attract a would-be adopter.
More From Newsweek Vault: Pet Insurance 101: How Much Does It Cost and Is It Worth the Price?
TikTok/goodboygonehome
A study published in the journal Animal Welfare found that dogs who had spent longer time in the shelter exhibited behavior that was considered “unattractive” to visitors. These behaviors included spending more time at the back of the kennel, resting more and general barking less and appearing less animated.
Those are all issues that appear to be impacting Espy if the TikTok video posted by @goodboygonehome is anything to go by. The video’s heartbreaking text overlay of Espy at the back of his kennel reads: “Espy no longer comes over to greet people because no one ever chooses him.”
“Espy struggles with barrier activity, meaning he doesn’t show his true self when in his kennel, which is something that can be hard for potential adopters to see past as they walk through the shelter,” the volunteer behind the @goodboygonehome account said. “But once he’s outside with his friends, he transforms into a completely different dog—happy, wiggly, and full of life.”
Espy is capable of mixing with other dogs and shows no reactivity to cats, meaning he could fit in with many households. But there is a sense that any hope he might have of finding another forever home is fading.
“The light in Espy’s eyes has begun to dim,” the volunteer told Newsweek. “He perks up during his two short kennel breaks each day, which help release some of his stress, and on his weekly off-campus field trips with his shelter besties; where he revels in the excitement of being out in the world.”
But as soon as he returns to the kennel that perkiness quickly fades. “The sadness returns to his eyes, a stark reminder of the challenges he faces,” the volunteer added. “It’s heart-wrenching to see him struggle, especially knowing how wonderful a true home life can be for a dog like him.”
The hope is that the video and this story will help drum up some interest from potential adopters.
“Espy would thrive in a low-traffic home, ideally an independent house with a small yard and no young children. While he would benefit most as the only dog to decompress from his shelter experience, he has the potential to adapt to a home with a compatible dog or even live harmoniously with cats,” the volunteer said.
They added: “A calm and loving environment will help him flourish and truly feel at home. He would also appreciate having a person who works from home or has shorter work hours, allowing him to enjoy more quality time and companionship. We know the right home is out there for him, and he’s ready for it.”
TikTok Users React
The video of Espy so far has over 125,000 views on the social media platform. TikTok users in the comments section showed their love and support for the pup.
User @rylievray wrote: “Boosting!!! He looks so lost and sad. Let’s get him in a home, he can live with dogs or cats!”
@nokie posted: “AWWWW. somebody please choose ESPY!!”
@shannoneady8 commented: “bless him. prayers for a loving home.”
@JustAimee wrote: my [heart] is broken. I don’t know what happens with the people. this angel deserves at exceptional home.”
