After Being Abandoned Once, Rescue Dog Fears It Could Happen Again

A loving home can change a rescue pet’s life, but it doesn’t always erase the memories of what came before. Animals that have experienced abandonment often need time to believe they are finally safe, even after finding a family that adores them. A rescue dog named Bruno has become the latest example of that reality after his owner shared his emotional journey in an Instagram video.

Rescue dog fears mom would abandon him just like his previous family

The video, shared by Instagram user @brunochonk, opens with the moment Bruno’s life changed for the better. His future owner is seen kissing him on the head before telling shelter staff that she wants to take him home. While the adoption marked a fresh start, the clips that follow show that the English Bulldog’s emotional recovery has taken much longer.

According to the text shown in the video, Bruno’s previous family “moved away and left him behind… confused and scared.” Although he has since found a permanent home, that experience left him struggling to trust that the people in his life would always come back.

His owner explains that Bruno was once afraid to leave the house because he feared he would never return. Something as ordinary as going out seemed to remind him of what had happened before, making it difficult for him to believe he was truly safe.

The video then contrasts those early days with the progress Bruno has made. More than 100 days after his adoption, text on the screen reads, “Today, over 100 days later… Bruno knows this is home. He knows he’ll always come back to a mama who loves him so much.”

Viewers also get to see Bruno’s happier side. In one clip, he excitedly heads into Petco, with his owner comparing his enthusiasm to “a kid running into Disneyland.” The moment reflects just how comfortable he has become enjoying life with his new family.

Even so, his owner acknowledges that healing isn’t linear. Another message in the video reads, “128 days after leaving the shelter… I still see signs of the trauma from being surrendered.” She echoed that message in the caption, writing, “128 days after the shelter, he’s learning to trust again. Healing takes time.”