In May, a dog rescue center in Pasadena, California, posted a video of what one worker described as the saddest pet surrender she had ever seen.

Tokyo—a 3-year-old pit bull mix was surrendered by her owners after their divorce, as they decided they could no longer keep her.

The owners took Tokyo to Pup Culture Rescue, and while it was the responsible thing to do, Maria, a seasoned member of the Pup Culture team, called it "the saddest handoff she has ever witnessed."

According to a post on the rescue's Instagram page, Tokyo's response to being separated from her family was heartbreaking. As soon as her family left, Tokyo anxiously looked to Maria for comfort, clinging tightly to her for reassurance.

She whined and showed signs of deep distress, struggling with the sudden transition from a loving home to the rescue center.

"Tokyo came to our rescue as an extremely anxious and shy dog," shelter CEO and founder Victoria Lily Shaffer told Newsweek. "She clung to our rescuer, Maria, and struggled in the early weeks. It was clear she was grieving her family."

In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent from 2022. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.

About 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

While Tokyo struggled at first, the team worked to help her come out of her shell, which she slowly did. She even developed a bond with the puppies.

After Pup Culture shared Tokyo's story on Instagram, where it went viral, one viewer was especially touched—a woman who had recently lost her own beloved pit mix. She immediately applied to adopt Tokyo, feeling an unshakable connection, and after three months of waiting, Tokyo finally found a new home.

In her new home, a cherished and pampered Tokyo is a far cry from the anxious dog who first arrived at the rescue. "She is doing fabulous," Shaffer said. "They sleep in bed together every night, and Tokyo enjoys laying under her desk while she works during the day."

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