The reality of animal shelters is far from ideal for dogs, especially for senior canines. Sadly, kennels are often overcrowded with desperate pooches struggling to find happiness in their bleak surroundings. It’s heart-wrenching to see any dog in a shelter, but senior dogs, who have been surrendered, face particularly tough circumstances as they spend their golden years behind bars. Most adopters tend to favor younger pups, often leaving older dogs like them overlooked.
“I’m Not Crying…”
Among the many dogs that have come through the Junction City Shelter in Kansas, one sad story stands out: that of a senior Boxer Pit Bull mix named ‘Grandma.’ She recently became the longest resident at the shelter, as her kennel remains sadly unnoticed by potential adopters. In an effort to highlight the power of love and companionship, the shelter staff decided to share her story and reach out to their TikTok followers through the @jcanimalshelter account, garnering an emotional response.
@jcanimalshelter Im not crying… you’re crying.
#adopt
#shelterdog
#seniordog
♬ Sad, sad, Music – dg cria
The video showcases Grandma’s excitement upon receiving attention after being overlooked for so long, leading to the touching caption: “Im not crying… you’re crying.” The heartfelt response from viewers is evident, with comments expressing their prayers and hopes for Grandma to find a loving home. One user wrote, “Praying for this sweet senior! They’re the best🤍🤍🤍,” while another encouraged, “Boost for the Grandma♥️🐾 Someone needs this senior 🐶 ♥️.” One more chimed in saying, “Grandma! You’re gonna find your safe space soon, baby! ✨”
Heartbreaking Reality
Grandma, who is nearly 10 years old, became the longest resident of the shelter on November 2, 2024, following her surrender a year prior. Over the past 365 days, she has received little interest, which is a heartbreaking reality influenced by her age and breed, often deemed unadoptable. Moreover, her need for a single-pet household due to her dislike of other animals further complicates her search for a home. Despite these challenges, Grandma’s spirit remains unbroken; she still possesses the energy and enthusiasm for life. The shelter staff continues to hold out hope for her future.
“She loves to curl up under blankets, sniff around for tasty treats, and bask in the sun. She would thrive in a home without other pets because she is indeed a Queen!” the shelter posted on Facebook.
