Family Returns 'Heartbroken' Dog to Shelter After 8 Years, Viral Video Helps Him Find a New Home

The "terrified" pup "wouldn’t even eat" when he arrived at the shelter, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA

After a dog's world came crashing down, his heartbreak caught the attention of millions — including an old friend who helped give the canine a new life!

Eight years after adopting Max as a puppy, the pet's family faced "unforeseen circumstances" and returned Max to the same animal shelter where they first met him, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) shared on Facebook on July 14.

"Max was terrified here," the organization added. "He was heartbroken. He wouldn't even eat."

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As the petrified pup struggled with his situation, an employee at the shelter, Sarah Brown, shared his story in a TikTok on July 6.

Alongside a video of Max sitting in a cage at the shelter, she wrote, "POV: the only family you've ever known returns you to the shelter after adopting you as a puppy 8 years ago."

"This job breaks my heart daily," Brown shared in the caption, noting that the pup will be available for adoption shortly.

It didn't take long for Max to find a home. The July 6 TikTok video garnered over two million views. Max's story tugged on many heartstrings and caught the attention of someone "from his old life," the PSPCA said.

"She was eager to get him back to somewhere he felt safe. Somewhere, he felt loved," the organization said of the unidentified acquaintance who reached out about Max. "And there was no better place than her home - forever."

The familiar face from Max's past decided to adopt the canine.

Less than a week after her initial TikTok, Brown shared the good news in an update — including a clip of the excited canine going "through the shelter doors one last time" before he "headed straight for his new home."

"They say everyone comes into your life for a reason. I think its the same for dogs," she added in the caption. "Thank you to Max's old friends, who have turned into his new family."

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The pup's new owner — and "old friend" — thanked Brown for sharing his story in the comments, writing, "I love our new boy so much, he's such a sweetheart. Thank you all for your help, couldn't have done it without you."

His new owner also shared a collection of photos on TikTok of the smiley canine — a far cry from the expression he wore at the shelter — enjoying his first week with his new family.

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The caption, written from Max's perspective, reads: "Hi guys!! Thank you to everyone for the love and support! I'm officially not a shelter dog anymore!"

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