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A volunteer’s bittersweet goodbye to a shelter dog in Joplin, Missouri, broke the internet’s heart after a video showed the pup’s sad reaction when their special day together came to an end. Megan, who is known on TikTok as @megankirkk, recently took a shelter dog named Winnie out for a day of fun. She told Newsweek via email that Winnie came to the Joplin Humane Society as a 6-month-old stray. Wanting to give her a break from the stressful shelter environment, Kirk picked her up for a doggy date. Animal shelters often offer special field trips or doggy days out that allow volunteers to take canines out for the day. Researchers found that spending time outside of the shelter can reduce a dog’s stress, according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine. These outings, along with temporary fostering, increase a dog’s likelihood of adoption by five and 14 times, respectively. “We went to PetSmart first and picked out treats and a toy,” she said. “Then we went to Starbucks and got her her first pupcup. Finally, we went and walked a local trail for a few miles before I took her back to the shelter.” Megan spent about three to four hours with Winnie, just enough to give her a break from the kennel and show she’s loved. But her October 21 TikTok video showed Winnie’s reaction after the fun day. She stared at Megan as she walked away. Frozen with sadness, Winnie didn’t understand that the field trip was only for a day. Screenshots from an October 21 TikTok video of a volunteer heartbroken when leaving the dog at the shelter after spending a special day together to give her a break from the stressful environment. “When I went to leave the shelter, I saw her watching me go, and it was really hard,” Megan said. “I always get emotional leaving because every dog in the shelter deserves to have a home…It was especially hard seeing Winnie in there because she is only a puppy, and her whole life she hasn’t had a home.” TikTok users begged Megan to adopt Winnie, but she said she already has three dogs at home. She would take all the canines if she had the room. Others believe doggy days out can give canines like Winnie false hope. However, these short outings can make a difference in the long run. The programs attract new volunteers and expand the network of potential adoptees, raise awareness for shelters and give staff relief to attend to other tasks. Not to mention, dogs also receive more exercise and stimulation. They get to show off their personality, which allows shelters to connect them with their perfect adopter. Winnie is still listed on the Joplin Humane Society website as available for adoption. What Do the Comments Say? The TikTok video reached over 11,100 views, 2,768 likes and 110 comments as of Thursday, with viewers interacting with the video in hopes it reaches her future family. “Winnie, I’m praying for you baby,” wrote one person. Another added: “Oh my goodness, sweet innocent girl Winnie. Her sad face, I’m crying! Praying this sweet girl finds her forever home as soon as possible.” A third user said: “Yeah, this is what I fear the most about volunteering, I’m gonna literally die inside just as much knowing that they’re not safe.” 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.
