Ashelter dog seemingly given up hope of being adopted has been given a fresh shot at a happy life.
Earlier this month, Newsweek reported on Espy, a shelter pup who had already faced more than his share of rejection. Now, everything has changed.
Espy’s story had come to light after a shelter volunteer at Austin Pets Alive!, an animal rescue in Texas, posted footage to TikTok under the handle @goodboygonehome, showing him in a state of utter dejection within the confines of his kennel.
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The clip was captioned: “Espy no longer comes over to greet people because no one ever chooses him.”
“Espy was adopted as a puppy in late 2019 from the Austin Animal Center but then owner-surrendered again in March 2023,” the volunteer, who asked not to be named, told Newsweek.
His initial stint at the Austin Animal Center had been difficult. “As a highly intelligent, sensitive dog who seeks emotional ties with people, it was hard for him to sit in his kennel alone for 23 hours a day,” the volunteer said.
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“During his 13-month stay at Austin Animal Center, he became increasingly stressed and had trouble sleeping due to the noisy environment,” the volunteer said.
But a transfer to Austin Pets Alive! in March 2024 seems to have paid off. Espy received closer care and attention, and eventually, his story made its way to Newsweek. That’s where everything changed.
According to the volunteer behind the TikTok account, Newsweek‘s story led to a flood of adoption applications. The shelter received more than 50 official applications and expressions of interest from many others.
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They always believed it was just a matter of time and patience with Espy.
“Espy struggles with barrier activity, meaning he doesn’t show his true self when in his kennel, which is something that can be hard for potential adopters to see past as they walk through the shelter,” the volunteer said. “But once he’s outside with his friends, he transforms into a completely different dog—happy, wiggly, and full of life.”
Espy has now found the full life he craved. He’s been adopted by a dog lover named Ted who lives out of state. Having given up hope to the point he would no longer greet visitors, though it will take time to adjust, Espy is now looking forward to greeting his new human companion at the start of each happy day