A heartwarming video of a dog abandoned prior to Hurricane Helene has captured the affection of viewers on TikTok, amassing hundreds of thousands of views. The Chihuahua, named Squirrel, is currently sheltered at Mercy Full Project in Tampa, Florida, after being discovered alone in the wild before the storm made landfall.
Despite her challenging circumstances, Squirrel’s spirit remains unbroken, as showcased in a viral clip that has garnered over 688,500 views. The footage depicts Squirrel anxiously climbing a metal fence and barking excitedly as a volunteer approaches her enclosure. Text overlaying the video highlights her “severe abandonment issues,” which have resulted in her clingy behavior.
In a touching moment, the video shows Squirrel calming down immediately when the volunteer picks her up. “This is all she wanted,” the text reads, accompanied by visuals of the volunteer cradling Squirrel.
In response to the growing interest, Newsweek has reached out to the shelter for further comments.
Kait Hembree, a dog behaviorist and head of training at GoodPup, has previously shared insights on the differences between clingy behavior and separation anxiety in dogs. While a clingy dog enjoys being close to its owner and does not panic when left alone, a dog with separation anxiety may exhibit panic and destructive behaviors when isolated.
Hembree recommends using engaging toys, especially food-dispensing ones, to help alleviate anxiety. She suggests that pet owners allow their dogs to focus on these toys for 10 to 15 minutes while gradually increasing the distance they move around the room. Once the dog is comfortable, owners can attempt stepping out of the room briefly before returning.
The emotional response to Squirrel’s video has been overwhelming, with over 102,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments from viewers expressing their sympathy. Comments such as “She is just a baby who wants love” and “How could anyone walk away from her?” reflect the collective hope that Squirrel finds a loving forever home soon.
Sadly, Squirrel’s story is not unique; many animals are abandoned or left outside, particularly during emergencies. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has provided crucial advice for pet owners ahead of natural disasters, urging them to keep all animals indoors, never leave them tied up or confined, and to have a clear evacuation plan that includes their pets. Additionally, PETA recommends that pet owners prepare by securing carriers, leashes, food, water bowls, and ensuring that pets are microchipped with visible ID tags.
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