Imagine the heartache Drogo, a shelter dog, must have felt when he was returned just a week after being adopted, following 500 days of waiting at the shelter.
For many shelter dogs, days stretch into years as they await the comfort of a loving home. Some dogs are quickly adopted, while others, like Drogo, endure long periods of uncertainty, hoping for a brighter future. Life in a kennel is certainly better than life on the streets, but the monotony of the same four walls for over two years takes a toll on a dog’s well-being.
A Sad Beginning
Drogo’s story began when his owner could no longer care for him. The owner promised to return, but days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Drogo ended up at the Austin Animal Center, where he patiently waited and watched as other dogs came and went. He became the shelter’s longest resident and was loved by everyone, especially Jessica, a volunteer who adored him.
“I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but Drogo is my favorite. He thinks he’s a lap dog, and we haven’t had the heart to tell him otherwise. Drogo is housebroken, doesn’t bark much, and gets along well with my 6-year-old son. He is a friend to everyone he meets and quickly became the favorite of volunteers. Drogo has been at the shelter for a year now and is so ready for a home of his own,” said Jessica.
Adoption and Heartache
One day, Drogo finally experienced happiness when he was adopted. For a brief moment, he felt the warmth of a home. Sadly, Drogo was returned to the shelter a week later, leaving him and the shelter staff heartbroken.
“We are all very disappointed that Drogo was returned to the shelter so quickly. He was one of the dogs who stayed the longest, and now he’s back. He is devastated. It’s not fair,” one of the shelter employees shared on TikTok.
Persistent Efforts
The shelter didn’t give up on Drogo. They worked tirelessly, creating videos and writing posts about him. Thousands of people read his story, but Drogo continued to wait for his forever home. An employee pleaded in a video, “He is housebroken, loves to walk, and is so sweet. Please, someone, take him home!”
A Birthday Wish
On Drogo’s 4th birthday and his 550th day at the shelter, volunteers threw a birthday party for him, with one wish in mind – that Drogo would find a real, permanent home.
A Happy Ending
After more than 500 days at the shelter, Drogo finally found a home. The shelter announced on Facebook, “Drogo was adopted today after more than 500+ days at the shelter. Drogo, you sweet boy, you now (hopefully) have a forever home and a person who can heal your broken heart. Enjoy the rest of your life!”
