Dog’s reaction to going back in the shelter after a day trip breaks hearts

A dog’s heartbreaking reaction to having to go back to the shelter after a fun day out has left internet users sobbing.

Shelter volunteer Lindsay Kaplan, 34, shared the devastating clip on TikTok (@fablinds) after taking Nikki the rescue pup out for the day. The duo spent a wonderful day playing in the park, getting a pup cup, a trip to the pet store, and Nikki made the most of the peace and quiet by squeezing in a much-needed nap.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and when it was time to head back to the shelter, Nikki’s feelings were clear. Kaplan, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, told Newsweek that seeing how distraught Nikki was broke her heart “into a million pieces.”  

“Her home was in a very overcrowded county shelter, so I took her to the park to get some sunshine,” Kaplan said. “She was so happy to feel the sunshine on her face and roll around in the grass. I took her to Starbucks to get her very own pup cup, then I took her to a pet store and let her pick out whatever she wanted.

“She got to relax in the backseat of my car and then she fell asleep for a nice quiet and peaceful nap. She felt like a princess and enjoyed a girls’ day,.”

While taking shelter dogs out for the day is incredibly fulfilling, having to take them back after is the biggest challenge for Kaplan. Nikki’s reaction as they pulled up outside the shelter made it seem even more impossible.

Kaplan shared a video showing Nikki’s heartbroken reaction on TikTok, and the clip went viral with over 1.5 million views and more than 276,400 likes at the time of writing.

Nikki arrived at the shelter in June 2025 after police officers found her lying beside her owner who had passed away. Going viral on social media has generated plenty of attention for Nikki, but she’s still searching for the perfect home.

There was some interest from a woman in Louisiana who wanted to adopt Nikki. It seemed hopeful, so Nikki was driven 15 hours to her potential adopter, as Kaplan said that everyone “was thrilled” that she’d finally get to start a new chapter. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be as the owner’s dogs attacked Nikki almost immediately, and she had to make the journey back to the shelter.

Kaplan said: “We were heartbroken for Nikki. Another 15-hour car ride back to south Florida and the only place for her to go was back to the shelter. That’s when Popo Pitbull Rescue stepped in, a foster-based rescue. They put Nikki in their rescue and were able to find her the most loving foster home in Miami.”

Nikki is loving her foster home, as she’s getting plenty of care, love, and belly rubs.

As the search continues for a permanent home, Kaplan told Newsweek that Nikki would need to be the only dog in the home, and preferably one without young children.

“Nikki is almost famous, and she doesn’t even know it. So many people were interested in helping her, sending her treats, and sponsoring her to be transported,” Kaplan said.

There’s been an overwhelming response to Nikki’s story, as the TikTok video has amassed over 3,600 comments since going viral. Her sorrowful expression left many people in tears, and many shared their hopes for an adoption.

One comment reads: “The red eyes and nose break me.”

Another TikTok user wrote: “Please someone go give Nikki the sweet freedom she deserves.”

While another person replied: “she just wants five more minutes of peace and quiet.”

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