Rescue Dog Dumped by the Roadside Has Heartbreaking Reaction to Car Rides
A rescue dog's devastating reaction to going on car journeys has broken the hearts of viewers online.
Max's owner, known as had taken to TikTok with a clip of the canine clinging to her while she was driving. The owner told viewers that the dog's extreme reaction to car rides can be attributed to a traumatic event that took place before she rehomed him.
The moving post has been viewed more than 1.5 million times since it was uploaded on September 17, and has shone a light on both pet abandonment and the emotional needs that some rescue animals have.
"To the person that decided to leave him on the side of the road, scared and alone, he may have just been a dog to you, but this sweet boy deserves to enjoy car rides, but instead he is traumatized and scared," Max's owner, who is based in Tennessee, told viewers.
"I am getting to mend a sweet spirit that never deserved to be broken, please do not leave them stranded and alone, they depended on you, take them to a no kill shelter, let a family choose them, do not let them go through this pain," she added.
Viewers can see the Max's owner driving a car, while the rescue dog clings to her with his paws curled around her shoulders.
The post had been captioned: "My sweet Max."
The owner's important message has moved audiences, and has led to some sharing their own similar experiences and thoughts on the topic of pet abandonment in the comments section.
"I've never told anyone this before. My mom dumped our family dog because he had several illnesses . We found out what she did and made her go back and get him. He was still sitting in the same spot," one viewer said.
Another added: "He's holding on so tight hoping you don't do the same. Poor baby. Get him a pup cup next car ride please."
"I did get him a pup cup but he was so scared and tore up that he didn't hardly touch it," Max's owner responded. "I'm hoping next few rides he will learn it's OK."
Another viewer shared: "We need stronger laws to protect animals."
"They're just babies like?" Another added.
Despite the fact that it still happens , it is illegal to abandon a pet in all U.S. states. Animal abandonment is considered a crime from California to Illinois and Tennessee, where the video was filmed, and can have serious consequences. However, the charges and penalties for abandonment in each state differ.
