Human Says Goodbye To Shelter Dog Who Grew up in a Kennel & Their Heart Sinks for a Reason

A shelter volunteer thought she was simply saying goodbye until tomorrow. But when applied to Toby, the dog waiting behind the kennel door, those words are a reminder of just how long he has been waiting to be chosen. The emotional video has now touched people online and renewed calls for the pup to finally find a home.

Human realizes shelter dog has spent half his life in a kennel and it’s the heartbreaking truth

The video, shared by @spartanburghumanesociety_real, shows a volunteer stopping by Toby’s kennel to say goodbye before leaving for the day. It is an ordinary moment for shelter staff, but the text added to the video gives it a heartbreaking perspective. As she says, “Bye Toby! See you tomorrow?” the clip overlays text imagining the dog’s response. “Of course you will; I’ve been here for half my life.”

Adding to the emotional weight of the video is Toby’s appearance. As he looks out from his kennel, the dog seems to be trembling while watching the volunteer leave. The shelter does not explain why he is shaking, but his nervous expression and gentle gaze left many viewers feeling heartbroken.

The video quickly drew an outpouring of support from viewers. Many of them hoped that sharing Toby’s story would help him finally find a permanent home. One person commented, “Boosting for this sweet baby Tobyyy!” in an effort to increase the video’s visibility. Another admitted, “This just made me cry I wish I could adopt all the babies.”

Others expressed both sadness and hope for the shelter dog. “Thats heart breaking.. hoping for you buddy,” one viewer wrote, while another added, “We need to find this precious pup a home!!”

Beyond sharing Toby’s story, the Spartanburg Humane Society also used the post to encourage more people to consider adoption. In the caption, the organization reminded viewers that “every pet deserves a chance to become someone’s first choice.” It noted that shelters are home to all kinds of dogs and cats, eagerly waiting for the chance to begin a new chapter with a loving family.

The rescue also emphasized that adopting an animal does more than change one pet’s life. It also frees up valuable space for another animal in need and helps shelters continue their work within the community. Ending the message, the organization encouraged prospective pet parents to visit their local shelter and “don’t shop when you can adopt.”