It’s the holiday season, and while we cherish seeing joyful dogs with their loving families in warm homes, the reality for many remains starkly different. Countless dogs spend their days in dark, lonely shelters, yearning for a forever home that may never arrive.
It’s especially heart-wrenching to witness senior dogs confined to kennels during what should be their golden years, and equally distressing are the helpless puppies, like little Chowder, whose lives begin enshrouded by cold, metal bars. A poignant video surfaced recently, capturing a tiny, confused puppy behind a large kennel, reminding us of the harsh realities faced by these vulnerable creatures.
“Just A Small Baby”
Chowder, a cream and tan German Shepherd, arrived at the Riverside County Department Of Animal Services as a stray at just seven weeks old. Upon entering the shelter, he was placed in a large kennel, and the sight of him sitting there in confusion broke the hearts of the staff. Soon, volunteers from @savingriversideshelterdogs arrived, immediately capturing the heartbreaking scene in a video that later went viral, moving many to tears.
“Just a small baby, in a big kennel, surrounded by kennels of big dogs,” the organization noted in the caption. Chowder was immediately marked as urgent upon his arrival and due to his young age, it was declared that he was “RESCUE ONLY and a rescue is needed ASAP!” The American Kennel Club states that the minimum age to adopt a puppy is between 8 to 10 weeks, making Chowder just a week too young when he was brought into the shelter.
During his stay, the compassionate staff worked diligently to ease his transition and even treated him for giardia, an intestinal infection caused by contaminated food or water, helping him regain his strength and health.
Heartbroken Viewers But Some Good News As Well
The video of Chowder behind the kennel’s bars garnered significant attention, prompting an outpouring of sympathy. Here are a few heartfelt comments from viewers:
“Oh, that sweet little puppy. How did this cute little puppy end up in a shelter? 🙏🏼💛🙏🏼,” one viewer lamented. Another contributed, “At least give him a blanket and a toy :(“ while yet another expressed, “Awwww sweet lil baby, you must be so scared and lonely. I pray you get your miracle and you’re rescued with a safe and loving home,” reinforcing the profound empathy felt by so many.
Fortunately, good news soon followed: the rescue organization shared an update confirming that “Chowder has been taken on a FOSTER FIRST DATE. We hope the foster adopts!” We all wish for Chowder to celebrate this Christmas in a loving forever home, surrounded by warmth and joy rather than the bleakness of a shelter.
