5 days ago
He Was Left by the Person He Trusted Most—Now Shelter Life Is Breaking Him
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.
After being abandoned by the person he loved the most in the world, a fluffy husky named Funshine found himself at a local shelter in Nebraska, where his once "spunky, adventurous soul" now seems like a distant memory.
In a viral Facebook post shared on Thursday by the Central Nebraska Humane Society, a picture shows the pup lying on the ground in his kennel, taking a nap by the sun as nothing else seems to interest him anymore.
"Our sweet 'Funshine Bear' isn't shining quite like he used to," the caption reads. "He may not be one of our longest residents, but shelter life is wearing him down. This once spunky, adventurous soul now spends his days looking lost, uninterested even in the simple joys of a sunny walk or a favorite toy.
"It breaks our hearts to see the light dim in a dog who used to chase every moment with joy. Funshine never should've ended up here. He was abandoned by the person he trusted most—and waited patiently, day after day, for someone who never came back."
However, according to the shelter, not all hope is lost for him. Funshine still "believes in people," the shelter says; his eyes still soften when he sees a familiar face.
"He's been wonderful with kids and recently stole the show as the guest of honor at the Grand Island Area Farmers Market. Funshine doesn't always get along with other dogs, and he will need a cat-free home.
"But what he really needs is someone who sees past the kennel walls and recognizes the bright, loyal companion waiting on the other side," the shelter adds. "If you think you could be the one to bring the sunshine back into his life, come meet him. He's been waiting for you—and we promise, he hasn't given up hope."
A spokesperson for the shelter told Newsweek that Funshine Bear is a little over 5 years old, and weighs only about 65 pounds.
"When dogs are stressed or depressed in a shelter setting, sometimes it is difficult to keep weight on them which is the case for Funshine. Once he gets into a comfortable home life, he will put some weight back on, so it's good for potential adopters to understand he will weigh more, to get to his ideal weight," she added.
Because Funshine was abandoned by his owner, the shelter staff don't know much about his story, or about what he likes and dislikes or struggles with.
"We can tell he had some prior training, but what we are teaching him, he is picking up quickly. He is very smart. When he isn't feeling down like he is now, he loves walks where his nose can lead the way to exploring," the spokesperson said.
"He loves attention from people and will never turn down hugs and all of the face kisses he can get. He doesn't dislike all dogs; he's just kind of picky so he needs slow introductions with new dogs."
The Central Nebraska Humane Society said that, while he is safe at the shelter, and will stay there until he finds a new home, they are functioning well over capacity for both dogs and cats.
Funshine the husky is seen napping in his kennel.
Funshine the husky is seen napping in his kennel.
Central Nebraska Humane Society
Almost 6 million homeless cats and dogs entered shelters across the country last year, and while most were adopted by new loving families, other weren't lucky enough to secure a new home.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that over 600,000 animals were euthanized in 2024 alone, 334,000 dogs and 273,000 cats, mostly for lack of space in shelter.
The post immediately drew the attention of social-media users across the platform, receiving over 2,200 likes and 271 comments.
One user, Stephanie Saylor, commented: "If you find a worthy adopter … ill pay half the adoption fee."
Judy Lee Kirchmann said: "Someone adopt him, please. Be his forever love."
Tris Rockwell added: "Oh no! That makes my heart hurt. He always had so much spunk and he just loves to give hugs. Someone please take him home and cuddle him back."
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