Woman Checks Into Hotel, Can’t Stop Crying at ‘Most Depressing’ View Ever

A woman visiting downtown Chicago has described the view from her room window as “the most depressing hotel view ever” in a viral video on TikTok where she couldn’t stop crying.

The video showed TikToker @gracefionam’s room overlooking the Anti-Cruelty Society building, a not-for-profit animal shelter.

In her caption, Grace expressed her upset as she looked out of the window and said: “I am so sad I want to take them all or at least one. If you’re in Chicago and looking for a dog PLEASE go rescue from the anti-cruelty society.”

Data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported that 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters every year in the U.S., including around 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats.

In 2022, data from animal welfare organization The Best Friends Animal Society revealed that the number of pets euthanized in shelters had increased for the first time in five years in 2021. This followed a historic low of animals entering shelters in 2020 due to staff shortages and shelter closures.

Grace’s viral video, which had more than 420,000 views at time of writing, triggered an outpouring of responses from individuals familiar with the shelter and its mission.

“If it makes you feel better the Anti-Cruelty Society is so good to their animals,” said viewer Katy. “Going there feels like I’m at the Harvard of pet shelters lmao.”

Similarly, Maddie said: “I volunteer there and love it! You can also take the dogs out for walks in the courtyard to get a kennel break any time they’re open, even if you’re not interested in adopting.”

Even the Anti-Cruelty Society’s TikTok jumped in, leaving a comment to give the poster and viewers more information about the dog in the video.

“That handsome boy is Chico and he would love to find a foster or forever home! Stop by for pup or kitty cuddles whenever you need them,” they said.

The shelter told Newsweek: “Chico has not been adopted, he is currently in foster care and still looking for his forever home.”

Anyone interested in adopting from the Anti-Cruelty Society is encouraged to get in touch. The shelter added: “If you are unable to adopt, we encourage you to participate in our Dog Day Out program, where visitors can take our adoptable animals on enriching field trips and give them a break from the shelter.”

Established in 1899, the shelter is poised to celebrate its 125th anniversary on March 7 this year. Their central position in downtown Chicago offers more opportunity for footfall. “We get a lot of foot traffic normally in the warmer months when there are more people exploring River North and downtown,” the shelter explained. “Drop-ins have drastically declined since COVID as many of the businesses around the area shifted to a work-from-home model, therefore less people around than before. We occasionally get hotel visitors, but not too many as they are usually visitors from out of town without the goal of adopting.”

Many viewers of the viral video headed to the comments to praise the shelter’s work in the community too.

“Don’t let this ruin your week,” commenter Madison said to Grace after she shared the video. “You are only one person. You did not hurt them.”

While viewer Leah wrote: “When it comes to this type of thing I just like to remind myself that they are fed, and they have a roof over their head. It’s only temporary until they find their forever home.”

Newsweek reached out to @gracefionam via email for comment.

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