An animal rescuer has revealed the heartbreaking reason why you shouldn’t judge a dog solely based on their behavior in a shelter.
TikTok user @saucysurge is an animal care specialist, who often shares videos of the cats and dogs he encounters in the shelter environment. A recent video of a black and white dog called Chappell baring her teeth has certainly captured attention online, as @saucysurge explained why her “shelter fear” doesn’t define her.
The clip shows Chappell inside a crate at the shelter, growling and barking through the glass. However, @saucysurge explained that this behavior is only reflective of the stress and chaos of being in a shelter. Rather than judging a dog based on just that, he adds that “sometimes, they just need a chance.”
Newsweek has contacted @saucysurge via TikTok for comment.
A stock image of a pit bull mix in a shelter crate.
Hannah Carl/Getty Images
After showing Chappell in the shelter atmosphere, the video then goes on to show the complete behaviorial transformation when she’s in a calm environment after being fostered. Footage shows her inside the TikTok user’s home, looking relaxed and content as she received some fuss. She’s like a completely different dog compared to the first clip.
The video showing what a difference it can make to a dog’s behavior has gone viral online, with over 739,700 views and more than 127,000 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
Alongside the video, the caption reads: “Fear fades with love and patience—every dog deserves a chance to shine.”
Shelter stress is a widely regarded phenomenon, as the Animal Humane Society highlights that it can undoubtedly make animals behave in different ways. Shelters and rescue centers are filled with unknown sounds, smells, activity, and this can be very overstimulating.
An animal’s reaction to the overwhelming nature of shelter life can prevent their true personality from shining through, and they may even develop new behaviors as a result.
As explained by the Animal Humane Society, a jumpy and mouthy dog in a shelter might turn out to be incredibly reserved and calm once they find a comfortable home. In contrast, an animal who comes across as shy and quiet in a shelter might become far more boisterous and affectionate once they’re in a forever home.
While it’s hard to radically reduce the impact of shelter stress, there are ways to limit its impacts. Examples of this can include using low-stress handling techniques when taking in new animals or keeping them in quiet areas as they learn to settle into the new environment. Enrichment activities and stimulation can provide some much-needed exercise and can improve the animal’s wellbeing.
The Social Media Response
The heartbreaking video of Chappell has melted plenty of hearts online. As a result, @saucysurge has continued sharing videos of Chappell in his home to show how much better she’s doing now.
Many social media users have praised @saucysurge for allowing the pup to grow comfortable around him and even shared their own experiences with rescue pets. This has led to more than 800 comments on the viral video so far.
One comment reads: “You just have to show them love and compassion, they had it rough, the only thing they know is fear and defensive mechanism it’s sad. Just be nice to animals and they will show you unconditional love.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “in the shelter they’re literally in survival mode.”
“Thank you so much for giving this baby a chance,” added another commenter.
While one person responded: “My littlest baby was huddled in the corner shaking when we first met. Now he’s snuggled against me on the couch sleeping. They deserve a chance!”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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