The owner of a 14-year-old dog told an animal shelter 'I don't care' before leaving him there, according to a viral TikTok

• A 14-year-old dog named Brandon was left at Orange County Animal Services by his owner.
• According to a viral TikTok video, the last words Brandon heard from his owner were "I don't care."

On June 26, a TikTok user who works at an animal shelter shared a distressing video about the latest dog to join the population of Orange County Animal Services in Florida.

In the video posted by uniquelyk9, or Angela, she shows a 14-year-old dog named Brandon who she says was left at the shelter by his owner — the only owner and home he's never known.

According to Angela, after the shelter shared some concerns — that the shelter was full, that it's stressful for senior dogs to be in a new environment, and that there are senior-based foster cares — the owner simply said, "I don't care."

Angela did not provide further details of the owner's circumstances but added that they "simply didn't want him anymore," even after the shelter showed the owner "kennels full of over 100 homeless dogs."

"This a reminder to everyone that dogs are a lifelong commitment," Angela said.

Commenters voiced their sadness and anger on the video, which had been viewed more than 170,000 times as of Friday.

"Hope that owner gets her karma. That's heartbreaking I hope Brandon finds a beautiful retirement home," wrote one.

"Sitting here with my little 15 yo senior crying and wondering how someone could abandon them," added another.

The video sheds light on the plight of senior dogs in shelters

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million animals enter a shelter every year, including 3.1 million dogs — and, according to a study by the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver, senior animals stay in shelters longer than their younger counterparts.

Even though it can be more work, adopting a senior dog can also be rewarding and can potentially save their life.

"Unfortunately, older dogs are among the first to be euthanized because they usually are not adopted in a timely manner," Dr. Mary Mauldin Pereira, a veterinarian, previously told Insider's Sarah Fielding. "Adopting an older dog can save its life."

Senior dogs can also be more acclimated to louder homes, are usually already housebroken, and need more sleep than a puppy, which can make them a bit more low-maintenance.

Now the hope is that another owner can welcome Brandon into their home. The shelter staff are still getting to know him, but he is a "gentle giant," Angela said in her video.

"Sadly, Brandon is still here," the shelter's public information officer, Bryant Almeida, told Insider on Friday. "Every owner has their reasons. Some surrender reasons are harsh and sad, and some are done out of necessity. We get to see every side of that broad spectrum, and it can be heartbreaking," he continued.