‘Houdini Dog’ With Separation Anxiety Returned After Brief Adoption

One shelter dog who has been accurately nicknamed Houdini after not one, but two escapes out of his kennel after hours still awaits his forever home.

“Houdini dog,” better known as Tiki, became a sensation when the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV) security camera captured him busting out of the shelter at night a couple of times—rightfully earning his nickname.

The HSHV, which is located in Michigan, shared in a July 31 Facebook post that 10-year-old Tiki was briefly adopted, but then returned as it became clear his separation anxiety was too drastic for his new family. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes separation anxiety in dogs as the extreme stress a canine experiences from the time its owner leaves them alone until they return.

While the escapes are cracking viewers up on Facebook, this Labrador retriever mix’s behavior reveals a deeper meaning—his constant need for companionship.

The HSHV is hopeful that being transparent with Tiki’s separation anxiety and their expectations for his home will help connect him to the right forever family.

Tiki’s face screams innocence, but the video, which was shared with Newsweek by the HSHV, proves otherwise. Those great escapes weren’t just for show either. Dogs with separation anxiety will often try to escape confinement, according to the AKC.

Other signs of separation anxiety include pacing or whining while you’re gone or as you prepare to leave. Dogs might also bark or howl excessively, conduct destructive acts, cause accidents in the house or have excessive salivation, drooling or panting.

“We’ve had some interest in adopting Tiki, but still no match yet,” Wendy Welch, HSHV’s director of marketing and communications, told Newsweek via email. “He’s an older gent, so [he] would like to be in a home where everyone understands his aches and pains (i.e., adults only) and is the only dog, not to mention can be home with him to help him learn to trust that people will be back for him.”

Welch noted that she and the rest of the team know getting adopted Tiki is “a heavy lift.” However, she said they are determined to connect him to someone “who’s worth Tiki’s incredible love.”

Facebook Users React

The HSHV’s Facebook post amassed over 331 likes and 228 shares as of Monday afternoon. Viewers flooded the comments section with their support and hopefulness for Tiki to find his forever home.

“He’s such a sweet boy. Separation anxiety is such a pain to deal with, but can be worked with,” one Facebook user wrote.

A second posted: “So sweet! Hugs and prayers sweet Tiki for your forever-loving home!”

Another added: “My heart aches for this sweet, handsome guy. Hope his big day comes soon.”

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