Imagine the deep sorrow Drogo must have felt when he was returned just a week after being adopted, following a lengthy 500-day stay in the shelter.
Many shelter dogs spend years waiting for the love of a family.
While some dogs find their forever homes quickly, others like Drogo endure prolonged periods of uncertainty, clinging to hope for a better future.
Though life in a kennel is better than living on the streets, the repetition of the same four walls for over two years undoubtedly takes a toll on any sensitive, furry soul.
A Heartbreaking Tale
A sweet American Pitbull Terrier named Drogo came to the Austin Animal Center after his owner was evicted.
The owner was expected to reclaim him, but that never happened, leaving the poor pup in search of a new forever home.
Days turned into weeks, which turned into months, yet not a single person showed interest in adopting him. While other dogs came and went, Drogo remained always waiting.
As time passed, he became the shelter’s longest-staying resident. Despite the love and care of volunteers and staff, they longed to see him find a loving home.
“I shouldn’t play favorites… but Drogo is my favorite. He thinks he’s a lapdog, and we haven’t had the heart to tell him otherwise. He’s house-trained, rarely barks, and gets along well with my 6-year-old son. He’s friendly with everyone and has earned a special place in our hearts here. After a year at the shelter, he’s so ready for a home!” shared Jessica, a devoted volunteer at the ACC.
Then, after what seemed an eternity, Drogo was finally adopted.
Yet, just a week later, he was heartbreakingly returned to the shelter.
The sadness was palpable for Drogo and all the staff at the Austin Animal Center.
“We are devastated that Drogo was brought back so soon. He had been one of the longest residents, and now he’s back again. It’s just not fair,” a shelter worker expressed on TikTok.
After waiting so long, he wasn’t given a fair chance.
@goodboygonehome We are all crushed that Drogo was returned to the shelter so quickly. He was one of the longest stay dogs at the shelter and now he’s back again. He’s devastated. It’s not fair. #austinanimalcenter #austinanimalshelter #longstay #adoptme #pitbulllove #pitbullsoftiktok #returned #shelterdog ♬ original sound – Dog Tales Rescue
Finally, A Joyful Conclusion
Fortunately, the shelter didn’t lose hope, and they doubled their efforts in finding Drogo a permanent home.
The videos shared by the shelter garnered hundreds of thousands of views, and numerous publications wrote about him, yet no one stepped up to adopt Drogo.
It was a mystery, as he truly was such a lovable dog.
“He’s house-trained, enjoys walks, and has a heart of gold. Someone, please give him a forever home!” a staff member urged in a heartfelt video.
Sadly, interest in adopting him was still lacking.
@goodboygonehome 74 pets found forever homes today at the annual Clear the Shelters event. So happy for all of them! Sadly, Drogo wasn’t one of them. He’s still waiting for his own family @Austin Animal Center #cleartheshelters #austinanimalcenter #austinanimalshelter #longstay #adoptme #pitbullsoftiktok #pitbulllove #shelterdog #dogsoftiktok #animalshelter ♬ original sound – sweetsaudioz
Drogo celebrated his 4th birthday and his 550th day in the shelter with a party thrown by a volunteer. Everyone’s wish was for him to find a truly forever home.
“It seems like a lucky charm worked because Drogo was finally ADOPTED after over 500 days in the shelter!” the shelter celebrated in a Facebook announcement.
Drogo, dear boy, you deserved neither the wait nor the heartbreak.
But now, you have (hopefully) found your forever home, where someone will help heal your heart.
May you enjoy all the love and happiness your life has to offer!
