Dog Returned To Shelter Is Terrified of Kennel—Then Everything Changes
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The moment a shelter dog realized she had to go back to her kennel, stopping in the hallway, reluctant to move, has broken hearts online.
Volunteer Kayla Lyman, 28, shared a video of the moment Pony the dog stopped moving when she realized she was heading back to her kennel at West Valley Animal Services, Utah.
"This was the first time she resisted going back," Lyman told Newsweek. "We had just been for a walk and spent time in the meet-and-greet room with a peanut butter lick mat and lots of cuddles. When it was time to return, she just sat there. She knew."
Estimated to be around 5 years old, Pony has had a tough life so far. After arriving as a stray, she was quickly adopted—but returned just two months later when the adopter was struggling with Pony's enthusiastic jumping.
Pictures of Pony when she realized she was going back to her kennel.
Pictures of Pony when she realized she was going back to her kennel.
@rosieandtheshelterpups/TikTok
"She was with her adopter for about two months. She has been back at the shelter now for around two weeks," Lyman said. "She is such an amazing girl with a very tender heart."
In 2024, approximately 7 million animals entered U.S. shelters and rescues, according to Shelter Animals Count—an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2023. By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited, contributing to an ongoing capacity crisis in U.S. shelters.
The video of the moment Pony realized she had to go back to her kennel captured hearts on TikTok where people shared their reactions and good wishes for Pony's future.
"Hope she gets adopted," said one commenter. While another wrote: "Poor girl, she doesn't want to go back in there."
"Poor baby. Prayers for a permanent forever home," said another viewer.
In a most recent update, it seems all of the good vibes have worked. Lyman shared the happy news that Pony has found another adopter and is all set for the happy ending she deserves—and hopefully never having to go back to the kennel again.
"I hope Pony's adopter is so in love with her and treats her so well," Lyman said. "I love my Pony girl so much and I'm so happy she is out of the shelter."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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