Dog Stuck at Clinic for 3 Whole Days After Owner Refuses to Pick Him Up
As devoted pet parents, we all understand the anxiety that comes with leaving our furry babies at the vet, even for a short checkup. Knowing they might feel scared or uncertain in an unfamiliar environment often has us counting the hours until we can bring them back home. For most of us, the thought of leaving them behind is unthinkable.
But sadly, not every pet owner feels this way, as evidenced by a heart-wrenching story about a puppy who ended up staying at the vet far longer than anyone could have imagined.
Left Behind
When veterinary assistant Dominique Humphries from Atlanta, Georgia, shared a story on TikTok about a puppy abandoned at her clinic, it left the internet heartbroken. The pup, a sweet Pit Bull and Labrador Retriever mix, was brought in for a routine appointment but never picked up.
Humphries explained that despite her best efforts to contact the owner multiple times, every call ended with the same response: promises that they were on their way to pick him up. Yet, no one ever showed.
“The owner didn’t want to pick up the dog because they were scared of losing him to a health issue, even though the doctor told them before that the dog was fine. They just got up and left the dog in the exam room, and we didn’t hear from them until the next day,” Humphries told Newsweek.
The two-month-old puppy quickly became a favorite among the clinic’s staff. His playful and friendly nature brought joy to everyone who interacted with him, and the team went above and beyond to make him feel loved during his unexpected stay. They spent their lunch breaks playing with him, ensuring he didn’t feel lonely or neglected.
Humphries documented the story on TikTok, and the video gained widespread attention, with countless people expressing their sadness and concern for the adorable puppy.
Pick-Up Day
After three long days, the owner finally returned to collect the puppy. Unfortunately, Humphries was attending to another patient at the time and didn’t have a chance to confront them about their neglect.
“They came to get the dog on the third day of it being at my clinic, which definitely made me sad because I feel like the patient deserves a better home,” Humphries shared. “I have not heard from the owner since, and I’m fearful but also don’t want to know if something happened to the dog.”
Humphries expressed her frustration at being unable to do more for the puppy, as veterinary protocol required her to care for the dog until its owner came back. Despite the limitations, she remained hopeful that the dog would find happiness and love in the future.
“I wish there was more that I could’ve done for him, but I have to follow protocols from the hospital. I hope he’s doing great, but if I do have an update later on, I will keep everyone posted,” she concluded.
A Message for Pet Owners
This story is a sobering reminder that veterinary clinics are not doggy daycares. Veterinary teams work tirelessly to ensure our pets are healthy and happy, but they rely on us as pet owners to fulfill our responsibilities.
Next time your furry friend has a vet appointment, be sure to show up on time, both for drop-off and pick-up. This small effort can make all the difference for both your pet and the dedicated professionals caring for them.
Click the video below to watch the story of this sweet pup:
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