The dog in the film, who warmly interacts with staff, has been sleeping alone in a shelter cage for over two years. RescueMeATL, a non-profit organization in the U.S., uses social media to raise awareness about dogs in need. A video shared on TikTok by RescueMeATL members visiting The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina has moved many netizens. The video shows staff members cuddling with a dog named Punkin, a daily ritual before bedtime. However, beneath the heartwarming scene lies a poignant reality: Punkin has been in the shelter for over 1,000 days.
Punkin is a three-year-old yellow mixed-breed dog who has spent two and a half years in the shelter. The prolonged stay has affected him, and staff worry that he may struggle to adapt to life outside. Punkin needs a comfortable and secure space, along with an experienced adopter willing to give him time to adjust to family life. Despite being cautious around strangers due to his past as a stray, Punkin is a lively and affectionate dog who requires patient companionship to explore the world outside.
@rescueme_atl Punkin is the longest resident at North Myrtle Beach Humane Society and no one knows how she does it 💔 Almost 1000 days in the shelter. She thinks the staff and volunteers are her family because she’s been here as a puppy an doesn’t remember life before. There’s NOTHING wrong with her. She’s just undersocialized since she’s lived here since she was 6 months old. She thinks this is what life is. She has NEVER fallen asleep on a couch next to her favorite person. She’s never heard a “good morning.” She’s never gotten table scraps. She’s never road in a car with the windows down. She’s never been told she’s the best girl. She’s never had a basket of toys all for herself. She’s never had her own blanket. She’s never had anyone to tuck her in at night. Her good night is the sound of dogs crying and a cold metal door closing. Punkin is smart, she’s playful, and she’s loyal— she acts like a shepherd. The greatest tragedy— We think she could be someone’s heart dog that has never been seen. Punkin is in NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC at North Myrtle Beach Humane Society. If you want to meet her please call 843-249-4948, or just go visit her 🩷 Application: [LINK IN BIO] #fyp #foryou #dog #shelterdog #adoptdontshop #adoption #viral #adoptme #explorepage #myrtlebeach #nmb #southcarolina
♬ orlando x kilu youre everything - Orlando
Those who know Punkin understand that he is fundamentally a friendly dog. He loves to play, enjoys treats and toys, and is even considered a gifted student by trainers. A video of shelter staff coaxing Punkin to sleep has attracted over 200,000 viewers, with many expressing their desire to see him find a warm home. Some have even offered to sponsor his adoption fees, hoping that his departure from the shelter will come soon.
