A British charity shared the heartbreaking reality that animal shelters experience around the holiday season: pets that were gifted to others get returned.
Nanna, a border collie puppy, was given to a family member as a surprise present early in December. However, the thoughtful gesture quickly turned upside down. The 10-week-old pup's arrival in the home upset the other dogs, and the family found the situation "unmanageable," the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said in a press release shared with Newsweek.
The family sought advice from the RSPCA on what to do but ultimately decided to surrender her to Westergate's Mount Noddy Animale Center, which belongs to the RSPCA Sussex West Branch. Her Christmas should've been spent getting cuddles and love from her family, but instead Nanna started over and moved to a foster home.
The RSPCA's December 24 TikTok video shows Nanna sitting in someone's lap, looking at the camera with confusion. In her short life, she has already experienced ups and downs, from being with a family to starting over with a foster. Her face made it seem as if she knew she was an "unwanted Christmas present."
She has since settled into her foster home. The press release said Nanna enjoys snuggling with her foster doggy sibling, whom she is pictured sitting with in the video. She also loves getting belly rubs and taking long naps. Nanna has since learned new tricks and is starting potty training.
As devastating as it was for the RSPCA to get Nanna back, it wanted to share her story to hopefully prevent people from giving pets as presents.
Part of the video caption reads: "We urge you to refrain from gifting animals to family and friends as Christmas presents and only choosing to rehome an animal if you are prepared for the long-term commitment."
The reality is that as cute and cuddly pets are, they are a huge responsibility and commitment that can last years. The RSPCA believes any person wanting to gift an animal needs to run it by the person first. Check that they will have the time, resources and money to properly care for an animal. Let them come along when meeting animals to help find their perfect match.
Those interested in giving Nanna (or other dogs) a forever home can contact the RSPCA Sussex West Branch at info@rscpasussexwest.org.uk.
Viewer Reactions
As of Monday, the TikTok video reached over 125,500 views, 12,600 likes and 436 comments. People flooded the comments section with disbelief, wondering how a family could give up so easily while also sharing their hopes that Nanna would get a new home in no time.
"Fur babies are for life, not just for Christmas," wrote one viewer.
A second added: "It's naughty how people treat animals like they're nothing. They have hearts and feelings too just like some humans do. She is so pretty but looks so sad. I hope she gets lucky and gets a loving home."
Another said: "That should never happen to this poor pup."
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