His rescue dog cried every time he got in the car — what he realized on the way to the vet broke his heart
We often assume animals don’t carry complex emotional responses the way humans do. But the way dogs remember and respond to past experiences can be genuinely surprising. That is exactly what pet owner, Jacob Travis, who goes by @jacobtravis29, experiences every time he takes his dog for a ride in the car. The pup seems to have the same unusual reaction of crying each time, and the owner has been open about how stressful it has become.
@jacobtravis29 Max on the way to see his new vet. Guy's a rescue and was definitely dumped from a car ao he's always nervous that's what's happening. Not ever l Buddy. You're my Rally Pally for life. #seniorrescue #Maxaroni ♬ original sound - Jacob Travis
Every time Travis takes his dog Max out in his car, he begins to groan and whine like he is in some distress. The owner believes that his adopted rescue dog was dumped out of a car before, and hence, the inside of the car triggers that trauma. "So his teeth are chattering, he's whining," he is seen saying while driving the pup to his new vet visit. He proceeds to explain that his dog always believes he is about to be abandoned each time he is in a car with the owner. It’s a quiet reminder that animals may not speak, but they carry memories in ways we don’t always fully understand.
Abandonment fear might be one of the top anxieties that affects many pets, largely due to rising abandonment rates and their difficult pasts. According to a PubMed Central study, millions of pets are abandoned every year in the U.S. alone. Data from Best Friends estimated that 4.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters in 2024, out of which 237,000 were euthanized due to a lack of a family to take them in. This data is not only concerning but raises questions about the mental state these fur babies are left with. As a result, even when they are later adopted by a kind family, that fear can persist.
The comment section had some great solutions to help Max with his fear and make car rides a bit more fun. For example, @rabid4tiddies mentioned, "Time to go get a pup cup every time you get in a car to build up good memories with the car," and @maqqiemoo noted, "I've seen the life-size 'humans' people make out of their clothes to try and calm dogs down with separation anxiety. Maybe that could help soothe Max in the car." @cloudcac advised, "Maybe try loading him up differently. Try the front passenger seat," and @rickyes14 expressed, "Please pet the dog if you can while in the car (obviously not mid drive), comfort him."
As supported by Best Friends, many pet parents, especially those who have had pups with separation anxiety or abandonment issues, agree that dogs need to start associating the car with positive experiences. It also highlights the patience and understanding that often come with caring for rescue dogs. And for many, stories like this can be a gentle reminder of why giving a rescue a second chance matters.
For more such videos, you can follow @jacobtravis29 on TikTok.
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