While shelters provide necessities like food, water, and a temporary roof, they are far from being a comforting place for dogs. The constant noise, unfamiliar faces coming and going, and the limited attention from busy shelter workers can never match the warmth and love of a devoted owner. That’s why, when a dog finds someone who can offer even a brief escape filled with affection, it’s a moment of pure joy.
The depth of this connection was painfully clear in the reaction of one sweet dog as she realized her day out was ending, and she was being returned to the shelter in Richmond, Virginia.
A Heartbreaking Moment
Photo Credit: ex_barista
Meghin, a devoted dog lover from Richmond, Virginia, has long shown her affection by caring for dogs at the Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) shelter. Among these dogs is a four-year-old named Grab N Go, affectionately known as Gigi. Every week, Meghin takes Gigi out for a day of adventure, and together they create beautiful memories.
This particular outing was no different, filled with fun and laughter. “We went to Belle Isle,” Meghin shared with Newsweek. “We walked through the trails, and I let her play in the river.” But, as always, their time together came to an end all too soon. Gigi’s spirit visibly sank as they headed back to the shelter—a moment Meghin captured and shared with her TikTok followers on her account, @ex_barista.
“The saddest part about taking Gigi out for a few hours is returning her to the shelter,” she captioned the video. The heart-wrenching scene resonated with many viewers. “She looks so sad, poor baby 😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺,” commented one user, while another added, “😭 she knows she’s going back🥺.” A third viewer confessed, “I would not be able to take a dog out only to return them…can’t imagine the disappointment and confusion they feel. 😭😭.”
She Deserves a Forever Home
Photo Credit: ex_barista
As much as it pained Meghin to see Gigi’s sorrowful expression, there was a glimmer of relief when Gigi’s face lit up upon being welcomed back by the caring shelter staff. It was clear that these compassionate individuals were doing everything they could to keep Gigi as happy as possible within the confines of her kennel.
But even with all their efforts, Gigi’s heart longed for more, a sentiment echoed by Haley, a staff member at RACC. “This lovely lady is struggling to settle down in the shelter environment, so she’s looking for a patient and loving family to help her feel secure,” she explained.
Though the time might not be right just yet, there’s hope that Gigi could soon share her life with another furry friend. What’s certain is that Gigi’s future family will be greeted with her bright smile—a smile that will replace the sadness Meghin saw that day.
