An American Staffordshire Terrier called Thor hasn’t experienced much joy in his short life. Instead, the 1-year-old life has been filled with hardships. He has hardly ever been in contact with the external world–making him scared of the outside. On top of all this, he possibly suffers from neurological issues. (Watch his TikTok below)

Thor was surrendered to Queens ACC (Animal Care Centers of NYC) by his previous owner because the person couldn’t take care of him due to their own health problems. They admitted that Thor had only ever gone outside twice.

As a result, when the dog came to the shelter, he was shaking in the car because he was so frightened and the shelter staff had to carry him. In the shelter, he walked slowly and needed assistance in getting placed in his kennel.

Unfortunately, Thor’s tragedy doesn’t end with his background. An Instagram account run by Queens ACC volunteers, @boroughbredinbrooklyn, shared the dog’s heartbreaking story. The poor Staffy walks in circles, always to his left. According to the veterinary team, these signs point towards a neurological issue.

^{Source: @boroughbredinbrooklyn}

In the comments section of Thor’s video, many users shared what they think he could be suffering from. A user says, “he might need to be checked for a brain tumor.”

Another user, Tina Triola, wrote, “Could it be because it was only his fourth time out in his whole life that he developed this condition of circling in his crate, or wherever he was kept??? Almost like a nervous breakdown? I know there are dogs at shelters displaying the same symptoms and they ruled out neurological and they think it’s more the stress of the environment.”

Whatever the reason might be behind his circling behavior, Thor became an adored dog at the shelter. They found that his circles would only stop for some time when he received an affectionate human touch. Whenever a friendly person comes in contact with him, he pauses his circles to lean into that person’s hand, legs, or whatever body part he finds. This would last a few moments until he would resume walking in circles.

Undoubtedly, Thor is an incredibly adorable dog who loves nothing more than receiving love from humans, which is why, the shelter staff has done all they can in making the dog’s life better. They improved his accommodations a little bit at the shelter. He was placed in a room with calming music, located away from the main shelter, reducing the noises that can worsen Thor’s condition.

Thor has a sweet face and is always happy to receive love from people with a wagging tail. The shelter wanted the dog to have another shot at a life full of love and care he clearly needed.

Before coming to the shelter, Thor lived with a small dog, so he should be dog-friendly. Moreover, he is social, affectionate, and can play fetch on his own. He enjoys eating Marie cookies, bananas, and blueberries.

Thor was at risk of being euthanized at the shelter due to his medical problems. However, thanks to the staff’s relentless efforts, on September 23, 2024, the dog was rescued by an organization called RSVP Rescue.

Are you plagued with questions like, “Why does my dog walk in circles” or “Why is my dog walking in circles?” As per Dr. Erica Irish, a veterinarian, here are some of the reasons as to why would a dog walk in circles:

Some dogs exhibit instinctual circling, pacing around before lying down. This behavior is inherited from their wild ancestors, who cleared areas of debris and unwanted critters to find the perfect spot to rest.

Although your home is free from branches and snakes, your dog’s brain still retains these evolutionary instincts.

So, if you’re looking up answers to questions like “Why do dogs walk in circles before they lay down” and “Why do dogs walk in circles before lying down,” know that it’s just an instinct they have inherited from their ancestors.

Many people have wondered, “Why do dogs walk in circles before they die?” The answer to that is terminal agitation. Terminal agitation describes restless end-of-life behaviors in dogs, including pacing, circling, irritability, and restlessness, commonly seen in humans and other species nearing death due to terminal illness.

Dogs may circle due to confusion, disorientation, or stress, similar to humans pacing when overwhelmed. Indecision, loud noises, or new activities can trigger anxiety, leading to circling. If circling occurs during high stimulation or stops when calm, it’s likely normal. Keep your home comfortable and stress-free.

Physical distress, injury, or medical conditions can be the cause of dogs circling. Mild distress can be hunger or needing to go potty. Severe pain can cause circling, accompanied by whining, limping, or other distress showing signs. Monitor your dog’s behavior and consult a vet if circling persists or worsens.

As dogs age, their mental faculties decline, similar to humans. CCD causes changes in preferences, personality, and behavior. Walking in circles can be a symptom of CCD. While irreversible, veterinary guidance can ensure comfort in a dog’s remaining years.

Dogs can suffer strokes or brain afflictions like meningitis or parasite-linked diseases, causing confusion, circling, and disorientation. Take your dog to the vet urgently if accompanied by rapid pupil movement, collapse, or fever.

Brain tumors in dogs can cause significant harm by swelling and compressing areas of the brain, disrupting blood flow and brain function. As the tumor grows, symptoms may resemble those of a stroke or seizures. Due to the complex nature of brain tumors, which can arise from various causes, prompt and specialized veterinary attention is crucial.

As per Rover, sometimes, dogs walk in circles due to balance issues, often related to vestibular disease. Other symptoms may include stumbling, staggering, drooling, and vomiting, warranting veterinary attention.

Veterinarian Dr. Linda Simon believes, “Bacterial, fungal or parasitic ear disorders can affect the balance center and lead to behaviors such as circling, head tilting and restlessness.”

If you have a senior dog, you might have a question such as “Why does my senior dog walk in circles,” and “Why does my elderly dog walk in circles?” Your dog might be suffering from the medical conditions or health problems described above.

According to Reddit users, it’s more likely to be CCD. A user, u/1puffins, posted a question in the subreddit, r/DogAdvice, about their 19-year-old dog who “paces in circles,” wanting to know the cause behind it.

Replying to this, another Reddit user who claims to be a veterinary professional, r/Kay505, says, “CCD…equivalent of dementia in animals. Common in dogs this old. Research this condition so you understand ways to make your house safe for her, as it will continue to progress with her getting stuck in corners or injuring herself from running into things. A vet visit would be wise – although this condition does not have a cure, there are ways to help slow its progression.”