Hysterics Over Why Shelter Makes Up 'Lies' To Get Pets Adopted
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A humane society in South Carolina has gained viral attention for an unusual approach to helping its animals get adopted—by making up lies about them.
In a video with over 3 million views on Instagram, the Greenville Humane Society wrote: "Making up flattering lies about our pets to help them get adopted."
The hilarious video then featured a rotating cast of shelter animals paired with absurdly impressive claims. Thar the dog "graduated Harvard at the top of his class," Audrey the cat "can see the future," Chiqui the dog "wrote a New York Times bestseller," and heroic Jake "saves kittens from trees."
As the video took off on social media, people shared their reactions in the comments.
"I'm positive Jake has saved kittens from trees! So precious," said morganhcox.
While awbutterstyx said: "I literally went to school with Thor."
"Audrey I believe. She can def tell the future," said pix13_fa3.
Some of the examples of the "flattering lies" about the pets waiting for homes.
Some of the examples of the "flattering lies" about the pets waiting for homes.
@greenvillehumane/Instagram
"We always have a blast creating fun, engaging content for both members of our local community, as well as animal lovers all over," Katie Wofford from the Greenville Humane Society told Newsweek. "Truly, it's one of the things we appreciate most about social media."
The video's impact extended far beyond entertainment. Several animals featured in the clip have already found new homes. "Audrey, our sweet 'future telling' kitty, has been adopted and is thriving in her new forever family," Wofford said. "Chiqui was [also] scooped up by a foster family."
In the first half of 2024, 3.12 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, a decrease from the same period in 2023. Despite this, the number of animals in shelters remains high—in the first half of 2024, 322,000 more pets entered shelters than exited them.
Greenville Humane Society currently cares for 638 animals, often operating at up to 200 percent capacity. Despite this, the shelter said that the "incredible community" around them have been a great support, with many offering to be emergency fosters and adopting during critical times.
While the staff were surprised by the post's viral reach, they were even more delighted by the public's engagement. "We've been cracking up all week at the public's hilarious comments," Wofford said. "We definitely plan to make many more videos like that one, and maybe make it into a regular series on our page."
This isn't the first time a shelter has taken action that has resulted in spike in adoption. Katerina the dog in the Humane Society of Broward County was "invisible" before the shelter put a note on her kennel that changed everything.
While some pets take matters into their own hands, like the shelter cat Valmir who "chose" his owners by grabbing onto his new family and not letting go.
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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