‘Depressed’ Pit Bull Has Stopped Greeting People’ Because ‘No One Ever Chooses Him’

It’s heartbreaking to hear about Espy, a pit bull at Austin Pets Alive! in Austin, Texas, who has been at the shelter for over a year and has stopped greeting people. This change in behavior has led the caretakers to worry about his well-being.

Espy’s situation took a turn for the worse. His family of four years decided to surrender him to the shelter. This decision deeply affected him. He seems to have become discouraged. He is possibly depressed during his time at the shelter.

@goodboygonehome

Espy has been at the shelter for a year after his family of 4 years got rid of him. He has grown very depressed in his kennel and @Austin Pets Alive! is desperately trying to find him a home or foster. Espy can live with a well matched dog or cat and CAN be transported out of state to the right home. He is located in Austin, TX #espy #longstay #depression #austinpetsalive #saveme #shelterdogs #dogsoftiktok #333rule #foster #adopt #viraldogsoftiktok #austin #tx #help

♬ Very Sad – Enchan

The shelter explained that Espy no longer greets people because he feels like no one ever chooses him. They are sharing his story in the hope that someone will come forward and give him a loving home. They mentioned that Espy can live with a well-matched dog or cat. He can also be transported out of state to the right home.

Related: Abandoned with a Heartbreaking Note: Lost Dog Found Hiding in Fear After Losing His Family

The comments section of the shelter’s post was filled with support for Espy. Many people expressed their hope that he finds a loving home soon.

It’s important to note that shelters, while providing care, may not be able to give individual attention. They may not provide the consistency that dogs need. Dogs, being social creatures, thrive in a pack and require consistent schedules, freedom to play, and affection. Most dogs spend too much time alone in shelters, and the ever-changing environment can be challenging for them.

Ultimately, the best outcome for dogs like Espy is to find a loving home. If you or someone you know is looking for a pet, consider visiting the Pets Alive! website to learn more about Espy and how to provide him with a forever home.

Shelters Are Hard on Dogs

As we said, it’s not necessarily that dogs aren’t receiving good care in the shelter system. It’s more that shelters, by nature, can’t really give dogs the consistency and individual attention they need. 

Dogs are social creatures and thrive while in a pack. They need to play when they want. They need affection. Sadly, most dogs spend too much time alone while in the shelter. They can’t adjust to the ever changing inhabitants of the shelter. Employees with shifting schedules or who may leave can also make them feel unstable.