Reason Dog Was Returned to Shelter Breaks Hearts: 'Please Don't Leave Me'

A pup named Valentina was returned to a shelter just before the holidays, and her heartbroken face has gone viral on social media.

In a post shared on TikTok by the shelter currently hosting her, the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, under the username @humanebroward, the pit bull can be seen playing with a stuffed bear, wagging her little tail at everyone walking by, as if trying to show how cute and deserving of love she is.

"Valentina was returned. She doesn't understand why," reads the caption. "Her story is heartbreaking. But we know her happy ending is out there!"

Susan Leonti, a spokesperson for the Humane Society of Broward County, told Newsweek that the 3-year-old pup had been adopted by a well-meaning family, but they soon returned her because of difficulties interacting with their cat.

Valentina is pictured in her kennel looking sad after being returned to a shelter. The pup doesn't understand why she was returned right after Christmas, and all she wants is a warm home and a... @humanebroward

"We always recommend a slow introduction between new pets at home, which can take many weeks or longer. Having time, patience and separate safe spaces are important when introducing a new pet," she said.

Dogs and cats have a reputation for being each other's worst enemy, but the truth is that when introduced the right way, they can not only live together without any issues, but they can become best of friends too.

Dr. Nick Horniman, a veterinary surgeon with more than 30 years' experience and the founder of the online pet pharmacy MyPetsVet, previously told Newsweek that dogs and cats can form strong bonds, especially when raised together or introduced in a positive and safe environment.

"Their interactions reflect the mutual comfort and trust that has grown between the two of them," he said, adding that "in many cases, these inter-species friendships are beneficial, reducing feelings of loneliness for both pets, and they can be just as excited to see each other as our pets can be to see us when we return home each day."

Introductions between cats and dogs, as well as most other pets, must be carried out slowly and carefully, to avoid giving the pets a bad first impression.

An article previously shared by Newsweek explains both pets will need their own private space in the house where the other animal doesn't have access to, so you can avoid unnecessary tension.

It is crucial that you do not let them interact without your close supervision until you know for certain that they're comfortable enough. If you notice defensive behaviors, such as hissing or growling, it means you need to take a step back and give them more time.

Valentina, who loves being close to people and getting love and attention, is now waiting to get a second chance at happiness.

"She's such a love bug and will lean into you for pets and butt scratches, almost as if she's saying 'please don't leave me,'" the post says.

Leonti said that Valentina is a staff favorite because she is friendly, playful and loves to meet new people. "She enjoys getting treats and sits so nicely for them, but what she really wants is a warm lap to cuddle up in this holiday season!"

While she is ready for adoption, the pup is currently undergoing heartworm treatment, which takes a few months to complete, but is being fully covered by the shelter.

"Please don't let her spend another night wondering why she's alone," continues the caption.

With over 6.3 million pets entering shelters nationwide every year, adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder could save not only their life but the life of the next pet who will have a place in shelter.

Thanks to the increasing number of people deciding to adopt their fur-babies, this number is slowly starting to go down, although the problem is still far from over. Shelters are still overwhelmed with new entries, and almost 1 million pets a year are put down across the country for lack of space.

The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 1.1 million views and 94,600 likes on the platform.

One user, Fabi.most, commented: "How can you return them after taking them home? I hope a real family with real love shows up."

Mike said: "Breaks my heart seeing a pup being adopted then brought right back."

Kristine's Truth added: "She looks so sad and confused, someone please put the smile back on her face."

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.