An elderly German shepherd mix has broken hearts as he let out a series of long howls alone in a kennel where he may spend the rest of his life.
The dog, named Big Red, is currently in the care of the Austin Animal Center (AAC), where he arrived as a stray in early October.
In a video on TikTok, the dog’s heartbreaking reaction to his time in the shelter has gained more than 200,000 views. The text overlay read: “POV: You’re a hospice dog and are spending the time you have left on Earth like this.”
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Veterinary staff estimate Big Red to be around 10 years old. His journey has been difficult; he came to the shelter with a severe flea infestation, hair loss, chronic allergies, and a large, inoperable tumor on his rear. Despite their best efforts, AAC’s staff face limitations when it comes to providing the level of hospice care he truly needs.
Sadie Spalding, a spokesperson for the shelter, explained that the shelter lacks the resources to offer hospice care to elderly animals.
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“Animals come to us in all kinds of conditions, and we do the very best we can with what limited resources we have,” Spalding told Newsweek. “For senior dogs in the shelter—as with owned senior dogs in their homes—we can only heal treatable conditions and mitigate untreatable ones.”
While several rescue centers were asked for assistance in covering Big Red’s hospice care, none were able to provide support. However, a local nonprofit, Classic Canines, stepped in and agreed to sponsor his palliative care should he find a foster home. The shelter team and Classic Canines have been working together to promote Big Red, hoping to place him in a warm and loving environment.
Despite his challenges, Big Red has quickly formed close bonds with the staff at AAC. “He was very scared and nervous when he arrived, but he has since warmed up to us,” Spalding said. “He loves lower back scratches, neck and shoulder rubs, and is tolerant of other dogs.”
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The video sparked plenty of love for the senior dog on TikTok where people left their well wishes in the comments.
“His cry is hurting my heart. Please Austin help him live out the rest of his life in a home,” said one commenter.
While another wrote: “His cries are enough to break your heart. Sweet baby deserves to spend the rest of his life with a family.”
Big Red’s medical conditions mean he does have some extra needs, like routine veterinary checkups, medication, and possibly a home with minimal stairs if he becomes a candidate for surgery.
Despite his extra needs, AAC’s foster team is hopeful that Big Red will soon find a foster home. “One interested foster has come forward, but we are waiting to see if it pans out,” Spalding said.