Although a shelter offers food, water, safety, and a glimpse of hope for adoption, it will never feel like home to a dog.
The noise, the endless stream of strangers, and the staff who cannot provide the same level of affection as a devoted family all make it a difficult place to live.
That is why it is a gift when someone steps in to give a shelter pup even a short break, showering them with the love and attention they crave.
Just how much it means to them was captured perfectly in the reaction of one pup who realized she was heading back to her shelter in Richmond, Virginia, after a day out.
A Painful Change In Mood
Meghin, a lifelong dog lover from Richmond, Virginia, has been dedicating her time to dogs at the Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) shelter.
Among those she cares for is Grab N Go, a four-year-old pup better known as Gigi. Once a week, Meghin takes her out, and the pair always has a wonderful time together.
On this particular outing, they enjoyed themselves more than ever. “We went to Belle Isle,” Meghin told Newsweek. “We walked through the trails and I let her play in the river.”
But the joy of the day quickly faded. When it came time to return, Gigi’s spirit seemed to crumble, and Meghin caught the heartbreaking shift on video. She later shared it on TikTok through her account, @ex_barista.
“Saddest part about only taking gigi out of the shelter for a few hours is returning her to the shelter,” she wrote in the video caption.
Viewers shared her heartbreak in the comments.
“She looks so sad too poor baby 😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺,” one user wrote, while the other added: “😭she knows she’s going back🥺.”
And the third quipped: “I would not be able to take a dog out only to return..can’t imagine the disappointment and confusion they feel. 😭😭.”
Hoping For A Home Of Her Own
Although seeing Gigi’s devastated expression was tough, there was comfort in the way her shelter caretakers greeted her warmly upon her return.
Their kindness showed they were doing everything possible to make her time at RACC as happy as it could be.
Still, it was clear that life in a kennel wasn’t enough for her. Haley, a member of the RACC staff, confirmed that Gigi was struggling.
“This lovely lady is struggling to settle down in the shelter environment, so she’s looking for a patient and loving family to help her feel secure,” she said.
While Gigi might not yet be ready to live with another dog, the staff believe it could be possible for her in the future.
What is certain is that her bright smile will light up her forever home one day, and her new family will never have to witness the sorrowful look Meghin saw that afternoon.