The shelter is far from an ideal environment for dogs, a truth every dog lover acknowledges. Sadly, kennels often house desperate canines struggling to find fulfillment in dark, cold surroundings. This heartache increases exponentially for senior dogs, who, after being surrendered, are forced to spend their golden years in such conditions. Most people favor younger pups, leaving older dogs like Grandma—recently crowned the shelter’s longest resident—overlooked and alone.
“I’m Not Crying…”

Numerous dogs have experienced life at the Junction City Shelter in Kansas, sharing countless heartbreaking stories. However, one senior dog stands out: Grandma, a Boxer Pit Bull mix who recently became the longest resident of the shelter. No one seems to notice her, leading the staff to showcase the affection she desperately craves on their TikTok account, @jcanimalshelter, which touched many hearts.
@jcanimalshelter
Im not crying… you’re crying. #adopt #shelterdog #seniordog ♬ Sad, sad, Music – dg cria
In the video, Grandma’s excitement upon receiving attention after enduring long days of neglect is palpable. One user poignantly noted, “Praying for this sweet senior! They’re the best🤍🤍🤍,” while another user stated: “Boost for the Grandma♥️🐾 Someone needs this senior 🐶 ♥️.” A third user comfortingly wrote: “Grandma! You’re gonna find your safe space soon, baby! ✨” This outpouring of support showcases the genuine desire for her to find a loving home.
Heartbreaking Reality

Grandma is nearly 10 years old and became the longest resident of the shelter on November 2, 2024, after being surrendered a year prior. Over the past 365 days, there has been little interest in adopting her, a harsh reality often faced by senior dogs. Her age and breed label her as unadoptable, and she would need to be the sole dog in a household, as she isn’t fond of other animals. Despite all of this, Grandma’s spirit remains strong; she continues to love curling up under blankets, searching for tasty treats, and sunbathing, keeping the hope alive in the shelter staff.
“Consider this sweet old lady!” they shared in a Facebook post.