Internet users can’t stop crying after learning about Stu, a 5-year-old Chihuahua mix, who has lived most of his life in a shelter with his three siblings, all struggling to find a home.
A viral TikTok video shared on Monday by Jackie Gonzalez, a volunteer at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California, under the username @jjack.iie, shows Stu sitting in a corner of his kennel with his head down, waiting for someone to finally notice him and take him home.
“POV [point of view]: you’ve been waiting 100+ days to be adopted with zero interest…” the caption explains.
Gonzalez told Newsweek that Stu came from another shelter in June, alongside his three siblings, Milo, Millie, and Jax, who are all still waiting for their forever homes.
“[They] were rescued from a local shelter where they had spent much of their lives. Stu does well with both dogs and cats. He can also do well with kids, if they respect his space since he’s a shy guy, much like his siblings,” she said.
According to Gonzalez, Stu would thrive in a quiet home with other dogs to help him feel comfortable.
“He’s very much a people-dog, he loves attention, being held, and soaking up affection. His favorite things are cuddling, giving kisses, and playing. Playtime is his number one!” she said.
“Stu is a shy dog who will need time, patience, and understanding to adjust to a new home. Shelter life is all he has known, but with love and stability, he has so much potential. He and his siblings are still waiting for their chance at a real forever family.”
Almost 3 million dogs entered shelters and rescues across the country in 2024, down only slightly from the previous year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Of those, about 2 million were adopted into new families, 554,000 were returned to their owners, 524,000 were transferred to other organizations, and 334,000 were euthanized.
The video has so far received over 4,200 views and 1,425 likes on the platform, but Stu and his siblings are all still waiting for a new home.
One user, Csheets13, commented: “Prayers for this baby to find the love and forever home he truly deserves!!!!”
Anni Marie said: “He deserves everything good and all the love in this world.”
Deborahcaviness wrote: “Precious one… hold on your time will come.”
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