Tears over what “heartbroken” dog does each day since owner surrendered him

A heartbreaking video showing a dog crying alone in his kennel after being left behind by his owner has broken hearts online.

The pup, named Bud, was featured in a post by Sandy Dog Rescue in Southern California. In the clip, Bud the dog was seen sitting in his kennel at Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter after being surrendered by his owner.

“Bud broke my heart,” the rescue wrote in the caption. “He was surrendered here 12 days ago and now spends his days crying in his kennel.”

Animal rescues frequently warn that dogs can deteriorate quickly in shelter environments, particularly after being surrendered by their owners. Loud surroundings, unfamiliar routines and isolation can take a visible toll, especially on canines who previously lived in homes.

“Dogs like Bud often deteriorate quickly in the shelter environment,” Sandy Dog Rescue said on Instagram. “The stress, noise, and isolation are incredibly hard on them.”

In the video shared by the rescue, Bud can be seen sitting behind kennel bars as text overlays explain his situation. “Bud was dropped here by his owner 12 days ago. Now, he sits in his kennel and cries. He is heartbroken,” the rescue said in the clip.

Bud is a neutered male American pit bull terrier, weighing 43.9 pounds and estimated to be about 3 years old. He was being housed at Western Riverside County Animal Control.

The post prompted an emotional response from viewers, with many expressing sympathy and hope that Bud would be adopted quickly.

“He looks like quite the nice guy!! I sure hope someone snatches that baby up,” one commenter wrote. Another added: “Oh sweet bud I’m so sorry.”

Dogs continue to make up a significant share of animals moving through the U.S. rescue system, which remains under sustained pressure despite some signs of stabilization. Shelter Animals Count’s 2025 data found that an estimated 2.8 million dogs entered shelters and rescues nationwide last year, with owner surrenders accounting for about 30 percent of community intakes.

In a later update, Sandy Dog Rescue shared news that delighted everyone—Bud had found a safe rescue to go to.

The post read: “UPDATE: Bud was rescued! The shelter can’t tell us which rescue saved him but if you are interested in adopting please email the shelter and they can possibly connect you.”

Newsweek reached out to Sandy Dog Rescue via email for comment.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.