Florida Shelter Worker Shares Heartbreaking Reasons Dogs Were Surrendered

If we were living in a perfect world, animal shelters would be going out of business. We wouldn't need so many rescue organizations and foster parents, and pets would be treated with the utmost love and respect. And while animal advocates will never stop working on getting there, we know there are still thousands, if not millions, of shelter pets who need rescuing in the meantime.

While many of the dogs who end up at shelters like Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, Florida, arrive as strays or intakes from Animal Control, lots of others are given to shelters as surrenders. This can be difficult for everyone involved, but it's most painful to imagine the confusion and sadness these dogs go through after leaving everything they've ever known.

Albert Harris, a photographer for the Orlando shelter, recently shared a few of the resident dogs and the reasons why they were surrendered. Each reason is as heartbreaking as the last, but a few are downright infuriating.

Pass the tissues, please! These sweet shelter dogs all look so shut down and depressed, and I can only imagine what's going through their minds. I know the shelter volunteers and staff are doing all they can to comfort and care for all of these babies, but nothing would help heal them like the love of a stable forever home.

Related: Foster Mom Shares Heartbreaking Reasons Dogs at Texas Shelter Were Surrendered

As someone who would do just about anything for my dog to live a happy and healthy life, I have a difficult time imagining myself having to surrender a dog. It's so easy to judge former dog owners based on their alleged reason for surrender, but the truth is that we will never have the whole story.

"I was fortunate to find someone that could take my pup when I struggled," shared one commenter, "but it pains me to know that evictions and housing are the main reason why [dogs are surrendered]." I can hardly imagine how difficult it must have been to have no other option but to hand your dog over to someone else. But like the shelter photographer mentioned in the video's description, surrendering an animal should be a last resort, and for several of these dogs, I'm sure it was.

Adopting a Surrendered Dog

Bringing home a new puppy or dog will require lots of patience and adjustment no matter what the pup's history, but adopting a dog who used to have a home could look different than adopting a stray dog. Your new friend may expect old habits, or they may even look for their previous owner. It may be confusing for them to go home to a whole new place, but a little adjustment time can go a long way.

On the plus side, adopting a dog with a history can give you insight into their behavior and health. Of course, this will depend on how much information their previous owner provided--and whether it's accurate.

If you're near the Orlando area and interested in meeting a new furry friend, don't hesitate to get more information from Orange County Animal Services on their website or by calling in for an appointment to visit.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.