Even though various researchers and dog specialists have been engaged in a spirited discussion for quite some time regarding whether canines can experience depression akin to humans, a forlorn expression never deceives.
This may not align with traditional depression as defined by humans, but a dog can certainly feel downcast, particularly if his companion betrays him. Regrettably, there has been a rising number of poignant tales lately about neglected dogs forced to endure life in shelters.
They express this in various manners, yet certain scenarios clearly reveal the distress a dog is experiencing and the profound impact of his owner’s disloyalty.
One such heartrending account originates from a shelter in Tampa, Florida.
Shattered Heart
One American Bully named Bruno was relinquished by his owner at a nearby animal shelter in Tampa, Florida. At merely two to three years of age, and after a joyful life in a loving household, suddenly finding himself enclosed within the confines of a kennel crushed his spirit.
Compassionate individuals at Mercy Full Project took care of him, yet poor Bruno struggled to adapt to his new reality. They swiftly shared a TikTok video displaying Bruno with a sorrowful demeanor, indicating that this dog had descended into depression.
Though this depiction already saddened many, what transpired a few days later truly moved many hearts. Their subsequent TikTok video featured a forlorn Bruno seated in the back of a car, so desolate he showed no desire to step outside.
“This is what transpires when one abandons their pet at an animal shelter. After a ‘doggy day out’ with one of our volunteers, Bruno adamantly refused to exit the vehicle,” a caption overlaying the video stated.
While they could be heard encouraging him with phrases like “it’s okay, come on,” each time they attempted to lure him out of the car, he merely shifted to the opposite side with his head lowered.
“Each time she opened the door, he would shift to the other side. He realized he was returning to the cage,” another caption across the screen conveyed.
This brief video vividly illustrates how challenging it is for Bruno to be separated from his cherished home and how a shelter is an unsuitable environment for dogs, particularly for unfortunate Bruno.
“Bruno is slipping into a depression 💔. He’s refusing to eat & won’t even go outside. He urgently requires a foster or a new permanent home 🥺. Shelter life is not suitable for him (or any dog),” they wrote in the caption.
@mercyfullproject Bruno is slipping into a depression 💔. He won’t eat & doesn’t even want to go potty. He urgently requires a foster or a new permanent home 🥺. Shelter life is not suitable for him (or any dog) #rescue #adoptme #adoptdontshop #tampa ♬ Last Hope – Steve Ralph
“Never Abandon Him Again”
A clip of Bruno, a dispirited, neglected Bully who resists returning to the shelter, quickly attracted considerable interest on TikTok and touched the hearts of many.
Amid various responses and remarks, one user lamented: “Don’t return Bruno to the cage 🥺 He dislikes being imprisoned.”
This response resonated deeply with the individuals at Mercy Full Project, prompting them to reply with a heartfelt message just a few days later.
In a new video they shared on their TikTok account, they proclaimed: “Bruno is officially in a foster home!”, and noted that “he will be moving to his new permanent residence tomorrow.”
Naturally, many who began following his journey were thrilled and eagerly anticipated the moment Bruno could smile once more.
That day finally arrived, and a recent Facebook update about Bruno was shared. They shared lovely images of a joyful and smiling American Bully with his new family.
“He is embarking on his new adventure with an incredible family, surrounded by lots of siblings and children to adore him ❤️,” they mentioned in the post. “We are grateful to all who assisted us in finding this amazing home 🏡”
This is how Bruno exchanged the sorrowful countenance of a depressed dog for a radiant smile. He is prepared to embark on a new chapter with a family dedicated to him who “would never abandon him again.”