A shelter dog has left the internet in tears after he covered his eyes with his paw when the lights went out—as if to block out the reality of his situation.
Fin, a Hound and Great Pyrenees mix aged between 5 and 7, was surrendered by his owner during a housing crisis and is now at Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR) in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. His story has struck a chord online, generating 9,400 likes, 4,300 shares and 1,100 comments on the rescue’s Facebook page.
“He has had some general online interest but he is still available and very much in need! He is an absolutely amazing dog. He is loving, smart, fun and sweet! He would thrive with a patient and loving owner who will give him the time he needs to adjust to life after losing everything he ever knew,” a spokesperson for the shelter told Newsweek.
The shelter said that staff were heartbroken after watching Fin curl up in his kennel as the lights dimmed and gently cover his eyes with his paw, as though trying to shut out the reality of losing his home.
They said this is the side of shelter life the public doesn’t always see—dogs going to sleep alone, some after years of bedtime routines, affection, and knowing exactly where they belonged. According to the rescue, Fin is trying hard to be brave, but his sadness is visible.
Staff described him as a family dog at heart, not a “shelter dog,” and said he once had a home, a routine and a couch to fall asleep on. He had lived peacefully with dogs, cats and children. While MLAR prides itself on being a compassionate, high-quality shelter, they said they still cannot replicate the quiet comfort of a real home. Fin, they noted, lost his family not because of anything he did, but because the housing crisis has pushed many people—and their pets—into impossible situations.
Facebook users flooded the comments section with emotional reactions.
“This is just awful sad. There ought to be programs out there that help people keep their pets and their family together. I can’t imagine not being able to have my dog by my side,” said Jay Johnson.
“He’s adorable! We have several dogs already. I’m literally on the other side of the world. He reminds me of a much-loved grand pup that was taken way too soon,” said Heidi.
“Omg please please find him a loving family he doesn’t deserve this,” said Julie.
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