Shelter worker shares video explaining why each dog was given up — and the reasons are heartbreaking

They say get a dog if you're lonely or in desperate need of a companion, but that doesn't mean you abandon them when you feel they're of no use. Every day, innumerable dogs are dumped, forced to face the unforgiving and cruel world alone. The reason? Well, it varies from 'moving abroad' and 'financial turbulence' to something as insignificant as 'lack of time' or 'feeling too busy.' In a heartfelt video, Julie Saraceno (@jsaraceno on Instagram), a volunteer at an animal shelter, revealed similar heartbreaking reasons behind owners giving up their dogs.

Saraceno, the volunteer at the rescue home, introduced the shelter dogs, talking about the reasons behind their surrender. The first one was Charlie, who was given up because the owner could no longer afford a pup. Similarly, the woman introduced the viewers to Goose and Kenai, who were abandoned because of "excessive barking" and "homelessness," respectively. Ontario, on the other hand, was deserted by their previous owner without a specific reason. Most people don't research well or prepare themselves before taking the responsibility of a pet, and that's exactly what may have happened with Hank's owner, as they abandoned him when they found they were allergic to animals. 

We don't abandon family when they're ill, right? But unfortunately, many people don't even think twice before disowning their pets because of old age or health issues. Nita, a resident of the Benton-Franklin Humane Society, where Saraceno was working, was also surrendered because of this very reason. Further, the woman introduced the audience to Porkchop, Doc, and Jazzy, who were given up because of "inadequate housing," "too many animals," and "landlord issues." If you think any of the already disclosed reasons were bizarre, wait till you hear why Papa was abandoned — "change in lifestyle," they said. Moreover, Saracen concluded the video by talking about Bjorn, who had been given up because of their owner's deteriorating health. Now, this could be a genuine reason, as according to the National Library of Medicine, 29% of dogs are relinquished due to the owner's health.

Meanwhile, Saraceno's video, revealing the painful reasons owners abandon their dogs, broke a million hearts online. While some empathized with homeless owners or those with prolonged health issues, others called out the pet parents who give up their pups for trivial reasons. A user who goes by @danielabonvi on Instagram commented, "There is no good reason; I could maybe understand homelessness and the health of the owner. Manifesting adoptions for all of them." @theskinimin_podcast confessed, "The only one I accept is homelessness — all other excuses are in the bin. I'd feed my dogs before I fed myself. If I needed to leave a house, I'd go wherever I could that allowed dogs. There is no excuse good enough. They are like children. They actually have more needs than children. You don't put your kid in an adoption center. You make it work!"

Another user, @annettematurana, lashed out at people abandoning pets for frivolous reasons and wrote, "Change in lifestyle just kills me! Getting a dog is a commitment to them and to yourself that no matter what, you will look after them! I hope all the pups find a home soon." Someone else, who goes by @julalcorta on the platform, wrote, "I think the only acceptable situation is the health of the owner. If the owner ended up in the hospital, in a coma, or severely paralyzed, it's an unfortunate situation if there are no family members. And also homelessness if the owner can't give him a better life than the shelter."

You can follow Julie Saraceno (@jsaraceno) on Instagram for more such dog-related content.