From Day 1 to 1057: The Incredible Transformation of a Shelter Dog

Quick Smiles:

• Heartbreaking video shows dog’s enthusiasm fade after 1,000 days in shelter
• Kylie, a high-energy dog, struggles to find a home due to needing to be an only pet
• Over 340 TikTok users rally to find Kylie a loving and stable home

In a heart-wrenching video shared by Julie Saraceno, the stark reality of a dog’s prolonged stay in an animal shelter is laid bare. The footage begins with Kylie, a five-year-old pup, grinning from ear to ear on her first day at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in December 2021. However, as the video progresses, a more recent clip shows Kylie eagerly waiting by the gate, hoping for someone to adopt her.

@juliesaraceno2

I know someday, someone is going to look at shelter dog Kylie and just know it was meant to be. Here’s to hoping that is soon. #shelterdogsrock #adoptashelterdog #tricitieswa

♬ original sound – ⭐︎

Julie Saraceno, a dedicated volunteer at the shelter, expressed her empathy for Kylie, stating, “I feel like she deserves all the attention after almost three years as a shelter dog.” Kylie’s journey began when she was surrendered to a different shelter while pregnant in 2020. She was later transferred to the Benton Franklin Humane Society for a “better chance” at finding a forever home.

Despite gaining significant attention online, Kylie has yet to find a loving family in person. Saraceno shared, “She hasn’t had any actual visitors.” The heart-rending TikTok clip, set to a viral sound that transitions from The Village People’s “YMCA” to a melancholic piano melody, has garnered 17,000 views since its November 7 upload.

Although Kylie’s enthusiasm has noticeably waned over time, she hasn’t lost all hope. In the second clip, she can still be seen wagging her tail, displaying her enduring spirit. The video’s caption, “Kylie struggles to find a home because she needs to be an only pet,” has touched the hearts of thousands.

Describing Kylie’s vibrant personality, Saraceno shared, “She is a high-energy dog who loves going outside and running in the play yard along with playing fetch. She absolutely adores stuffed toys—especially the ones that squeak. The shelter makes sure she always has one in her kennel.”

Unfortunately, Kylie’s difficulty in getting along with other dogs has been a major obstacle in finding her a forever home. This is a common challenge faced by many shelter dogs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters each year, averaging 17,260 per day.

The struggle to find homes for these animals is an ongoing battle. In January 2023 alone, pet shelters took in 46,807 dogs and cats, an increase of 1,744 compared to the previous year. Tragically, around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized annually. To combat this, shelters are actively promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation to minimize euthanasia rates.

Moved by Kylie’s plight, over 340 TikTok users have rallied to support her, with many pleading for others to adopt her. One user passionately wrote, “Let’s get Kylie the loving stable home she so deserves.” Another user chimed in, “There’s nothing wrong with a doggo who needs extra human loving.”

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