“Shut down” rescue dog ready for euthanasia, then one walk changed it all

A dog who was on the euthanasia list because he was considered “too shut down” to be worth adopting was granted one final walk – and then everything changed.

Clyde the shelter dog was deemed “risky,” unfriendly, heartworm positive, and distrusting, so he was due to be put down within hours. The day before his scheduled euthanasia, TikTok user @feloniousdonk met the sweet dog and took him for “one last walk.”

Indeed, the TikTok user was told she could spend some time with Clyde, especially as he seemed to like her company. Sadly, he was deemed “too shut down to be adoptable,” but that didn’t perturb @feloniousdonk.

After meeting Clyde and taking him for a final walk, she knew his life was worth saving. The TikTok user instantly adopted Clyde and gave him the second chance he desperately deserved.

From left: Clyde during a walk, and pictured with his owner. @feloniousdonk / TikTok

Newsweek has contacted @feloniousdonk via TikTok for comment.

Shelters across the country are dealing with overcrowding problems, with many resorting to euthanasia just to make space for the constant influx of animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues in 2024, and while there were 4.2 million adoptions, that wasn’t the case fore every animal in need.

Unfortunately, approximately 607,000 shelter animals were euthanized in 2024, according to the ASPCA. High as it may seem, this figure has fallen from 13 percent in 2019 down to 8 percent in 2024.

Thankfully, Clyde was granted a second chance before it was too late.

After having his life spared, Clyde’s adoption story was shared on TikTok by his owner. The adorable post showed how scared and unsure he looked in the shelter, before showcasing just how rejuvenated he looks now.

The TikTok post has delighted internet users since it was shared, going viral with over 251,300 views and more than 55,800 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.

The TikTok slideshow includes images of Clyde enjoying the snow, snoozing on the bed, and also making the most of a dog walk. There’s no doubt that’s he’s living his best life now in his forever home.

From left: Clyde laying on the bed, and enjoying the snowfall. @feloniousdonk / TikTok

Writing on TikTok, @feloniousdonk said in the caption that Clyde is her “whole heart” and an undeniable good boy. The caption continues: “My soul dog and my best friend. I hope he’s my dog in every universe, in every lifetime.”

Since Clyde’s story went viral, many people took to the comments to praise his owner for saving his life. This has led to more than 2,900 comments on the TikTok post already.

One comment reads: “His sad face at the shelter vs his complete joy with you.”

Another person wrote: “The shelter personality is not the real them. Thank you for saving this baby.”

Another person replied: “Him holding his head up now! So incredible! I have happy tears!”

While one commenter added: “THIS is what LOVE can do. Bless your beautiful hearts for seeing his.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.

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