The devastating last words a pet owner said before dumping their 14-year-old dog at an animal shelter have been revealed. In a video posted to TikTok under the handle UniquelyK9, Angela, an Orlando-based animal behaviorist, shared the story of Brandon, a brown and tan dog who was surrendered to Orange County Animal Services on June 23. The ASPCA estimates that as many as 3.1 million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters in the U.S. every year. Around 2 million are adopted over the same period of time. But the unfortunate fact is that dogs like Brandon are usually among the last to find new homes.
In her viral video, Angela revealed that "'I don't care' were the last words Brandon heard from his owner after 14 years together."
She said the dog's owner simply "didn't want him anymore" and "did not care" that her old dog would find the experience of being left at the shelter stressful or that he would struggle to find a new home.
Ending the video, Angela explained the clip is "a reminder to everyone that dogs are a lifelong commitment."
Brandon is currently available for adoption on the Orange County Animal Services website.
Brandon's plight has been watched more than 150,000 times, with many viewers expressing their shock at his owner's actions.
"After 14 years together. Omg," one wrote with another commenting: "Poor guy, people make me so angry. Thanks for trying to help him."
A third said: "I can't imagine doing this. I love my dog more than anything in this entire world."
"Brandon—you are in the hands of caring people. They care. They will root for you."