A foster owner getting ready to move has sent out a plea on social media for someone to take in the dog she’s been looking after before he must return to the shelter.
Tiffany Patton became a foster mom to 4-year-old pit bull Nemo in November, knowing the situation would only be temporary. She committed to working with him on his dog reactivity and potty training until a forever family stepped up and adopted him through Animal Care Centers of NYC.
But nearly a year later Patton’s circumstances changed and a new move where Nemo is not allowed to come looms. She faces the heartbreaking decision of bringing Nemo back to the animal shelter unless someone adopts or fosters him in the next few days.
Knowing what Nemo’s future might hold—a loud and stressful shelter life—Patton’s been showering him with extra love. In her September 22 TikTok video, posted to the account @nemotiff, the two can be snuggling with each other. Nemo calmly and sweetly accepts the pets as if he belongs there. Nemo “doesn’t understand” that she is only his temporary owner. She gave him a foster home for as long as she could.
“I think he knows I’m upset been more cuddly and attentive but I don’t think he knows why,” Patton told Newsweek.
Screenshots from a September 22 TikTok video of a foster parent comforting her pit bull.
@nemotiff/TikTok
Patton said the Animal Cares Center team has not received any applications for Nemo as of Monday, but she holds onto hope that the power of social media will come through in the next few days.
Viewers felt for Patton’s difficult decision, offering comfort that she did all she could. The TikTok video reached over 236,900 views and 19,300 likes.
“Thank you for giving this guy love and space to decompress. Really hoping we can find him a great home,” said a TikTok user.
Another added: “Literally the worst boat to be in. My heart goes out to both you and Nemo.”
A third user chimed in: “People don’t understand how hard it is when you can’t keep a foster dog. Thank you for showing him a love he probably would’ve never known without you! Someone please help Nemo if you’re able too!”
Touched by the comments, Patton wrote: “I often felt like I was the only who cared about Nemo but now I know I am not alone and the world does care.”
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