For quite some time, scientists and dog experts have debated whether dogs experience depression similarly to humans, but a dog’s sorrowful expression is undeniable.
While it may not align with the conventional understanding of depression, dogs certainly exhibit signs of feeling down, especially in the wake of betrayal by their owners. Sadly, the number of heart-wrenching stories about dogs being abandoned and left to navigate life in shelters continues to rise.
Dogs express their emotions in various ways, but certain circumstances highlight just how deeply the betrayal from their owners affects them.
One particularly poignant tale emerges from a shelter in Tampa, Florida.
A Broken Heart
An American Bully named Bruno found himself surrendered to a local animal shelter in Tampa, Florida, at just two to three years old. After enjoying a happy life in a loving home, the abrupt transition to the confines of a kennel shattered his spirit.
He received care from the compassionate staff at Mercy Full Project, yet poor Bruno struggled to adapt to this new reality. They soon shared a TikTok video that captured Bruno’s forlorn expression, indicating he had succumbed to depression.
While many viewers were saddened by the video, what followed days later was even more heartbreaking. A new TikTok video revealed Bruno grieving in the backseat of a car, so overcome with sadness that he refused to step outside.
“This is what happens when you abandon your dog at an animal shelter. After a ‘doggy day out’ with one of our volunteers, Bruno wouldn’t get out of the car,” a message overlaid on the video explained.
Despite being encouraged with phrases like “it’s okay, come on,” every attempt to persuade him to exit the car resulted in him shifting to the other side with his head lowered.
“He kept moving to the other side every time she opened the door. He knew he was going back to the cage,” another message displayed on the screen read.
This short video clearly illustrates Bruno’s struggle to cope with the loss of his cherished home and highlights why shelters are not suitable environments for dogs, especially for Bruno.
“Bruno is descending into depression 💔. He won’t eat and doesn’t even want to go potty. He urgently needs a foster home or a new forever family 🥺. A shelter is not where he belongs (nor is it for any dog),” they shared in the caption.
@mercyfullproject Bruno is falling into a depression 💔. He won’t eat & doesn’t even want to go potty. He desperately needs a foster or new forever home 🥺. Shelter life is not for him (or any pup) #rescue #adoptme #adoptdontshop #tampa ♬ Last Hope – Steve Ralph
“Never Leave Him Again”
The video of Bruno—an abandoned, depressed Bully refusing to return to the shelter—struck a chord on TikTok, evoking a wave of sympathy.
Among many reactions, one user pleaded: “Don’t put Bruno back in the cage 🥺 He hates being imprisoned.”
This heartfelt comment resonated deeply with Mercy Full Project, leading to a beautiful response just a few days later.
In a new video shared on their TikTok account, the team announced: “Bruno has officially found a foster home!” They also mentioned that “he will be going to his new forever family tomorrow.”
His supporters were overwhelmingly excited, eagerly anticipating the day when Bruno would finally regain his joyful spirit.
That day arrived, as showcased in a recent Facebook post featuring a jubilant Bruno alongside his new family.
“He is beginning a new chapter with a fantastic family, filled with siblings and children to shower him with love ❤️,” they celebrated in the post. “We are grateful for everyone who helped us secure this marvelous home 🏡”
Thus, Bruno transformed his sorrowful demeanor into a radiant smile, ready to embark on a new life with a devoted family that “would never abandon him again.”
