The day before Christmas Eve, a dog’s life turned upside down after his family dropped him off at an animal shelter, leaving the internet in tears as they believe no animal should spend the holidays this way.
An Instagram account (@thepoochproject) dedicated to highlighting shelter dogs at the Downey Animal Care Center in California posted a last-minute plea for a 2-year-old Great Pyrenees named Zeus, hoping he could be in a warm home just in time for Christmas.
Yesterday’s Instagram video showed Zeus sitting in the kennel, defeated and visibly shaking. His cheeks puffed in and out rapidly. He stared at the person recording with tearful eyes.
The caption explained the family gave him up “due to responsibility,” leaving the young dog to spend the holidays in a cold kennel.
A representative from The Pooch Project told Newsweek via Instagram that when families cite “responsibility” as the reason for surrendering a pet, it usually means they can no longer care for the animal.
An article from the American Animal Hospital Association says that housing challenges, too many pets, financial constraints, a short-term life crisis and owners having no time or being overwhelmed are the top reasons for pets being surrendered to animal shelters.
His owner called Zeus “affectionate” and “noble.” He has been around small dogs, cats and kids, but what he needs is a stable home filled with patience and understanding of the breed.
Despite the last-minute request for adopters, Zeus did not go home with a new family, The Pooch Project wrote in a comment. He will spend Christmas inside the shelter with other animals longing for forever homes.
His story instantly crushed people’s hearts, and within a day, the Instagram video reached over 1.3 million views.
“That is so beyond wrong. Poor Zeus. I know a loving and committed family is out there for this sweet boy! Please help,” commented a viewer.
Another added: “Oh, this sweet baby!!! I hope he gets fostered or adopted by a loving family soon.”
A third person wrote: “He’s crying. Omg makes me so sad. It’s ok, he’s going to get better people, and that’s ok!!!”
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