Every year, countless pets end up in shelters, many of them relinquished by their owners. A poignant video shared on TikTok by a pet rescue volunteer, Emily Gorham (@houseofrescuedogs), casts a spotlight on the distressing fate of these animals in kill shelters following their abandonment.
The video, which Emily shared earlier this month, features a text overlay that poignantly states: “This is what your dog does after you surrender them to a kill shelter. They shut down. They hope it’s you who will turn the corner. They wait for you to return. Unable to grasp why you left, they continue to wait…for you.”
In the video’s caption, Emily expresses her understanding that life can be unpredictable, but she also highlights the trivial reasons for which many dogs are surrendered to the Tulsa Animal Welfare: the desire for a new puppy, owning too many pets, or the dog being too energetic. She urges pet owners to strive for better.
As a volunteer at the Tulsa Animal Welfare and a professional dog groomer, Emily dedicates her Thursdays to bathing and photographing shelter dogs to enhance their chances of finding forever homes. Along with her husband, she has been fostering dogs for the past four years, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
Emily points out, “The Tulsa Animal Welfare receives 100-200 dogs each week. There’s a pressing need for the enforcement of spay and neuter laws, and the citizens of Tulsa must do better.”
Her observations indicate that dogs often become withdrawn upon surrender, overwhelmed by the abrupt change and the loss of their families. “They are terrified and confused, which complicates their adoption process, leaving many unadopted,” she adds.
According to the Humane Society of Macomb, common reasons for dog surrenders include age, allergies, behavioral issues, and the costs associated with pet care. The journey of a surrendered dog in a shelter is filled with uncertainty and fear. Separated from their owners, these animals experience a deep sense of loss, waiting day after day for a familiar face that never returns. Emily’s story serves as a vital reminder of the profound impact surrendering a pet can have on its well-being.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that around 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually. In January 2023 alone, 46,807 dogs and cats were taken in by shelters, an increase from the previous year. Despite the rising number of animals in need, shelters are diligently working to lower euthanasia rates, currently at about 920,000 annually, through adoption drives, spaying and neutering efforts, and behavioral rehabilitation programs.
For those contemplating surrendering their pets, it’s crucial to explore all available options. Many shelters provide resources and support to help keep pets in their homes, and rehoming should be considered a last resort, through channels that prioritize the animal’s well-being and future happiness.
Emily Gorham’s TikTok video has sparked reactions from other users on the platform, with many expressing their dismay at the thought of abandoning pets and urging those unable to care for their pets to find them a loving home or a rescue group. This conversation underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for a collective effort to ensure every animal has a place to call home.