There’s growing concern for a shelter dog who has seemingly “given up” hope of finding a new home after being ignored over and over again at adoption events.
Helga Weiss, the president and co-founder of Paw Squad 599, a non-profit dedicated to helping animals in the Central Valley of California, shared heartbreaking footage on TikTok under the handle @crittersandcrystals of Darby, the only dog left at a recent adoption event.
“Darby was found on the streets as a stray. He then ended up in an overflowing shelter where he found himself in danger,” Weiss told Newsweek. “Our organization is known for being the home of the underdogs, so when we got word this little guy’s time was running out, we made the 2 hour drive to save him.”
In the video, Darby lies at the front of a dog pen with his nose out, looking off into the distance. It’s not a look of hope that his special someone could be just around the corner, but one of apparent resignation.
From the moment he was rescued, it was clear Darby was a little different. “When we saved him, we didn’t know exactly what was wrong with him, other than he walked funny,” Weiss said. “After x-rays, it was determined that our little guy was born with fuzed knee caps. Where another dog can bend his knees, Darby can’t.”
But while he may be different physically, Darby enjoys all the things you would associate with a dog like him. “He enjoys playing with his stuffed octopus, other dogs, and doing the zoomies at a million miles per hour,” Weiss said.
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, in the 4 months Darby has been with Paw Squad 599, he has yet to attract much in the way of attention from potential adopters.
That’s the sad reality facing many dogs in the wider shelter system. The fact is, the chances of catching the eye of a visitor are slim and a particular struggle for nervous dogs who may need time to warm to an unknown individual.
Time is the one thing they don’t have in that scenario though. According to a 2014 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, shelter visitors tended to interact directly with just one dog per visit and these interactions lasted an average of just eight minutes.
Darby has been attending “almost every adoption event” organized by Paw Squad 599 over the past 3 months. Sadly, each time a familiar scenario has played out.
“Every event starts the same with Darby,” Weiss said. “He’s happy, he’s spinning circles, excited to see his friends, and he’s in high hopes. Time and time again, people point at him and ask what’s wrong with him, but not once has anyone pointed and wanted to learn more.”
Weiss has noticed a worrying development with Darby in recent weeks. “He has stopped approaching people for pets,” she said. “It’s like he had given up hope that someone wanted him. He now sits in his bed and patiently waits for the events to end.”
Now, most events end with Darby as the final dog, looking out as he sees so many other dogs walk out with new families. Part of him must wonder what that would be like.
Having seen Darby end each event in this heartbreakingly fashion, Weiss decided to take action by filming his response and sharing it to TikTok. She feels she owes him that. “Darby is my foster dog so I take him home with me after every event and give him extra loving to make sure he knows if given the chance to save him, I’d choose him over and over again,” Weiss said.
Still only 2 years old and weighing just 5 pounds, Weiss’s status as Darby’s foster carer has given her pretty good insight into the kind of home he would be suited to.
“He prefers women over men and is a pro at being a purse dog. He is fantastic with other dogs and and cats,” she said. “Due to his legs, he would benefit from a home with no stairs or pool. He enjoys short walks, car rides, and being with his people.”
The good news is that with over 500,000 views and counting since being shared last week, the video showcasing Darby’s situation is garnering plenty of attention. Anyone wishing to step up for this struggling shelter dog is encouraged to contact Paw Squad 599 directly.
“We also highly encourage those who might not be the best match for Darby to check out our other wonderful dogs,” Weiss said. “They all deserve a bright future.”
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