Life in a shelter is never easy for dogs, especially seniors who find themselves surrendered during their golden years. For older dogs like Grandma, a Boxer-Pit Bull mix, the days can feel especially long and lonely as potential adopters often pass by her kennel in search of younger, more energetic pups. Grandma’s story began when her owner surrendered her to the Junction City Shelter in Kansas over a year ago. On November 2, 2024, she officially became the shelter’s longest resident—an unfortunate milestone no dog deserves.
Despite her sweet and affectionate nature, Grandma has spent over 365 days waiting for someone to see her worth and offer her the love she longs for. To help shine a light on Grandma’s plight, the shelter staff decided to share her story on TikTok via their account, @jcanimalshelter.
The video showcased Grandma’s pure joy when someone finally spent time with her, a rare moment of companionship in what has been a long stretch of solitude. The caption reads: “I’m not crying… you’re crying,” a sentiment that resonated with thousands.
In the video, Grandma’s excitement is palpable—her tail wags furiously, and her face lights up just from having a human by her side. The response was immediate and emotional, with viewers offering words of love and encouragement. One commenter wrote: “Praying for this sweet senior! They’re the best.” Another added, “No senior left behind! Come on TikTok do your thing and make this go viral!”
The reality for Grandma, however, remains difficult. At nearly 10 years old, her age and breed make her an often-overlooked candidate for adoption. On top of that, Grandma needs to be the only pet in her new home, as she prefers a space without other dogs or cats. These factors have led to her being passed over time and again.
But despite everything, Grandma’s spirit remains unbroken. The shelter staff have been inspired by her resilience and continue to believe that her perfect family is out there. “She loves to curl up under blankets, sniff around to find tasty treats, and sunbathe,” they shared in a Facebook post. “She is best in a home with no other animals because she is a Queen! Consider this sweet old lady!”
While Grandma’s journey has been filled with challenges, her loving personality and zest for life shine through. Her story has touched many hearts online, and the staff at Junction City Shelter remain hopeful that soon, someone will recognize just how special she is. For now, Grandma waits patiently, dreaming of a quiet, loving home where she can spend her remaining years as the cherished queen she truly is.
We are grateful to know Grandma is surrounded by shelter staff who love her, but this is not a forever solution. She needs a family! Please share this to spread Grandma’s story. She deserves a safe, loving home where she can thrive! If you would like to apply to adopt Grandma, please click here.
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@jcanimalshelter Im not crying… you’re crying. #adopt #shelterdog #seniordog ♬ Sad, sad, Music – dg cria