The internet has been left crying happy tears after seeing how much one dog has transformed since she was rescued from a kill shelter and finally found her forever home.
A video was shared to TikTok by user @zoeythedox late last month showing the remarkable difference between Zoey when she was first rescued to how happy and loving she is now. The early footage shows the dog, who is part dachshund, cowering in a corner, seemingly afraid to move because she was so accustomed to life at the kill shelter.
Thankfully for Zoey, she has found a “loving home” with owners who have helped her learn how to trust and grow in confidence. Subsequent footage shows just how far she’s come in that time as she can be seen enjoying a fun walk outside and even snoozing in her owner’s comfortable bed.
Since the video was posted to the social media platform, it has melted plenty of hearts. The video has gone viral and has already generated more than 1.1 million views and over 99,000 likes on TikTok so far.
Alongside the adorable clip, the caption reads: “You’re safe now Zoey.”
Newsweek reached out to @zoeythedox via email for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
Stories like Zoey’s are all too familiar, as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that around 6.3 million companion animals wind up in shelters across the United States. every year—3.1 million of which are dogs. However, it’s believed that around 920,000 animals are euthanized in shelters each year, 390,000 dogs and around 530,000 cats.
The ASPCA notes that the number of animals being euthanized has declined substantially over the years, as 2011 saw a high of 2.6 million. They suggest that this reduction is in part due to a higher rate of shelter adoptions and the number of animals who are successfully returned to their owners.
While these estimates provide a rough outline, these statistics can be hard to predict as American Humane explains that control agencies aren’t required to keep statistics on the number of animals taken in, adopted, or euthanized.
There are several reasons why shelters might euthanize their animals, including overcrowding, or if the dog is suffering with sickness, an injury, or shows signs of aggression.
A stock image of a dog in a crate. Internet users have hailed one dog owner for saving Zoey from a kill shelter and providing her with a loving forever home.
sasesisuso/Getty Images
TikTok Users React
The video of Zoey’s incredible transformation has amazed TikTok users, as people praised Zoey’s new owners for saving her life and showing her what a loving home is really like.
One user wrote: “The corner sitting makes my heart just drop every time I see something like this.”
Another added: “Look at that difference. so happy for your Zoey.”
“I can’t handle the first clip. Sweet baby I’m so happy she’s loved now,” a third TikTok user posted.
While another responded: “What a pretty girl! I’m glad you gave her a second 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.
