Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Fumipets
Unmasking Emotions: A Rescued Dog’s Tearful Response to Mealtimes
In a touching and heartrending video, a pet owner has shared the emotional response of her rescued dog during mealtimes, shedding light on the furry friend’s unique journey and raising questions about separation anxiety or past trauma.
A Glimpse into a Rescued Pooch’s Emotional Journey
Under the TikTok handle kelssseey_, a compassionate pet owner recently shared a video that has captivated viewers worldwide. In the video, the owner explains that during mealtime, they must separate their rescued dog from their other canine companions to prevent her from indulging in their meals once she finishes her own.
To accomplish this, they use a dog gate, a common tool for pet owners to create boundaries. However, what truly tugs at the heartstrings is the rescue dog’s reaction to being separated from the pack.
As depicted in kelssseey_’s video, the white rescue dog assumes a heartbreaking posture. In the clip, the dog stands with its back to the room, nestled in the corner of the hallway near the front door. This poignant display of emotions has resonated with over 925,000 viewers, sparking conversations about the emotional lives of our canine companions.
Separation Anxiety or Past Trauma? Deciphering the Rescue Dog’s Behavior
Interpreting the rescue dog’s reaction presents a unique challenge. On one hand, it may be an expression of disappointment at being singled out, a sentiment familiar to many pet owners. In 2021, a survey of 2,000 pet owners conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster sought to identify signs of disappointment in pets.
The survey results revealed common indicators, including “not wanting to be touched” (cited by 60 percent of pet owners), giving owners the “cold shoulder” (56 percent), or a particular look (55 percent).
Many viewers of the video identified the rescue dog’s behavior as a form of “pouting.” Comments such as “If this isn’t pouting, I don’t know what is” and “My dog does the same when it’s time to feed the cats. So dramatic” filled the comment section.
The owner behind the kelssseey_ account seemed to concur with this assessment, acknowledging that her rescue dog’s reaction made her feel guilty. “They really know how to pull at the heartstrings,” she remarked.
However, in response to another comment, she expressed concern that the behavior might be rooted in something traumatic from the rescue dog’s past. She pondered, “I wonder what happened to her before because she is a rescue,” speculating that “something happened, and she hates gates or something.”
Some commenters echoed this concern, suggesting that the dog’s behavior might be a result of past experiences. One wrote, “She is doing that for a reason. Seems like she is ashamed or something,” while another agreed, stating, “Something is wrong; this isn’t good.”
Owner’s Compassion: Working Towards a Solution
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the rescue dog’s behavior, there is an outpouring of sympathy for the situation. One fellow dog owner revealed that they face a similar challenge, sharing, “I have to do the same for my dog. He will eat the entire bag if I let him.”
The compassionate owner, while admitting that the thought of her rescue dog struggling due to past experiences brings her to tears, emphasized that they have been diligently working with a trainer. In the meantime, the adopted pup continues to receive plenty of love, food, and treats.
This heartfelt story reminds us of the resilience and emotional complexity of our furry friends, highlighting the importance of understanding and compassion in our relationship with them.
Source: Newsweek
