Tears at Shelter Dog Realizing He's Back After a Day of 'Adventures'

Newsweek

3 days ago

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A TikTok video showing a shelter dog's heartbroken realization that his day of "adventures" was over has left viewers in tears.
In the video, the creator posted footage of Lector, a 5-year-old male dog, whose demeanor visibly shifts as he understands his return to the Broward County Animal Care shelter in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lector appears to understand suddenly that his day of fun is over, and rests his head sadly on the center console of a car.
"Lector realizing he's back at the shelter after a day of adventures," the creator captioned the video. "Lector is looking for love, a quiet place to sleep and an arm he can rest his head on. Please consider adopting this sweet soul … Mellow, walks great on a leash, knows to sit for treats."
Stock photo: A golden retriever looks out of a car window.
Stock photo: A golden retriever looks out of a car window.The raw emotion displayed by Lector resonated deeply with viewers who urged those close to Fort Lauderdale to adopt him.
One TikTok viewer commented: "My heart is broken! Thank you for giving this precious baby a break from the shelter. I pray that someone adopts this baby … It always hurts me to see all the babies needing forever homes. But for some reason this baby has been on my mind and heart."
Many users expressed admiration for those who take shelter dogs on these "day out" trips, acknowledging the emotional toll it must take.
"I don't know how you are able to do these doggy day out dates, I couldn't go through with it," one wrote. "Thank you so much for taking him out, I hope he finds a forever home soon."
Another user offered a supportive perspective to those feeling the sadness: "The people who think they 'couldn't do this' don't understand what it's like for these babies in the shelter," they wrote. "Any break, even for 15 minutes, is a huge deal for them! It's of course sad to bring them back, but you made a huge difference for them during their shelter experience!"
@fablinds
Lector is looking for love, a quiet place to sleep, and an arm he can rest his head on. Please consider adopting this sweet soul 💔 • Lector #A2417161 • Broward County Animal Care • Fort Lauderdale, FL • 5 years old • Male, neutered • Mellow, walks great on a leash, knows to sit for treats 🤍 @BrowardCountyPetOfTheWeek @BCAC Volunteer @Julie ♬ Stuff We Did - Michael Giacchino
Dogs Know When They Return to the Shelter
Newsweek previously spoke to Ana Arias, marketing manager at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA), about dogs' awareness of their return to the shelter—and if they are really as perceptive as they seem. Her response? They absolutely are.
"We have witnessed dogs realizing they are back at the shelter," Arias said. "We need to remember that they are highly sensitive to smells, and they know once they are back, first because they know where they live, and, most probably, they can even smell and recognize where they are."
The dogs' reaction to returning is somewhat like "Cinderella after the ball," Arias added. While they might have the most magical day out, their reality is still a life of waiting for safety and connection.
Despite the widespread emotional response to Lector's video and numerous comments expressing interest, a second clip from the creator revealed a heartbreaking update: Lector has yet to receive any interest or visits from potential adopters.
Newsweek reached out to @fablinds for comment via TikTok.