Heartbreaking Photo Of Dog In Shelter After His Family Leaves Him Goes Viral

“A picture is worth a thousand words … and Ritter’s is no different…Ritter’s negative reaction to the shelter was immediate and heartbreaking.” That’s how The Humane Society for Hamilton County in Indiana introduced the heartbreaking photo of the dog when he was left at a shelter.

Ritter was dropped off at the shelter because his family lost their home. In the photo, the 4-year-old American Bulldog who has lived with dogs and children is slumped on the side of the kennel. His head is lowered in dejection and sadness.

The society added, “This is the reality our animals face every day — heartbreak and a sense of hopelessness.”

But the sad truth doesn’t stop the shelter from doing everything they can to get dogs like Ritter a second chance. They shared on Facebook:

“We are his second chance – it’s time to help this boy find a place to live, love, and be loved. A place for his heart to heal. We need to share his face and his story. Ritter’s happily ever after is out there. Share this post and, together, we’ll find him one.”

Well, it didn’t take long for Ritter’s heartbreaking picture to go viral. The “lost soul” was adopted by Sophie Marie who posted on Facebook, “I adopted him! Get to pick him up Thursday and love him forever.”

The Humane Society for Hamilton County in Indiana is grateful to everyone who shared Ritter’s story and helped him get his “happily ever after”. They mentioned that Ritter’s photo was taken by their volunteer Alan Wlasuk and that the moment he captured is something all the cats and dogs at their shelter share.

“Alan captured ‘that moment’ that all dogs and cats sitting in shelters experience. Most are not fortunate to have an amazing photographer present to witness those moments of sadness, disappointment, and desperation. But please make no mistake, they all feel it.”

They want people who saw Ritter’s photo to take it to heart and remember it in the future.

“Our hopeful request is that each of you will now consider adopting one of the hundreds of animals still waiting…most far longer than Ritter (like Polly also pictured here who currently holds the longest wait record in our care)…and all with an equally heartbreaking viral photo that has yet to be taken.”