Imagine the heartbreak Drogo felt when he was returned to the shelter just a week after adoption—after spending 500 long days waiting for a home.
For many shelter dogs, days stretch into years as they hold on to hope for a family to call their own.
Some dogs are lucky enough to find their forever homes quickly, while others, like Drogo, face long, uncertain waits, holding on to the hope of a brighter future.
A shelter may offer safety compared to life on the streets, but spending over two years surrounded by the same four walls takes a toll on any gentle, loving soul.
Heartbreaking Story
Source: Austin Animal Center
Drogo, an American Pitbull Terrier, arrived at the Austin Animal Center after his owner was evicted.
His owner had promised to return for him, but that day never came. Left behind, Drogo began his long wait for a forever home.
Days turned into weeks, then months, yet no one chose him. Other dogs came and went, finding families of their own—but not Drogo. He remained, always waiting.
As time passed, Drogo became the shelter’s longest resident. While the staff and volunteers adored him, their biggest wish was to see him finally find a loving home.
“I know you’re not supposed to have favorites… but Drogo is mine,” shared Jessica, a volunteer at the Austin Animal Center. “He thinks he’s a lapdog, and we haven’t had the heart to tell him otherwise. He’s house-trained, rarely barks, and did great with my 6-year-old son. Drogo is a friend to everyone he meets and quickly became a volunteer favorite. He’s been here for a year now—one of our longest stays—and he’s so ready for a home of his own.”
Source: Austin Animal Center
Then, one day, it finally happened—after so much waiting, Drogo was adopted at last.
But his happiness was short-lived. Just a week later, he was returned to the shelter, as if his second chance had slipped away.
Drogo was heartbroken, and so were the staff and volunteers at the Austin Animal Center. After everything he had been through, he was back where he started, still longing for a home to call his own.
“We are all crushed that Drogo was returned to the shelter so quickly,” a shelter worker shared on TikTok. “He was one of the longest-stay dogs here, and now he’s back again. He’s devastated. It’s not fair.”
After waiting so long for a home, Drogo wasn’t even given a real chance.
Finally, A Happy Ending
Thankfully, the shelter refused to give up on Drogo. Determined to find him the loving home he deserved, they worked even harder to share his story.
Their videos gained thousands of views, and magazines across the country wrote about him. Yet, despite all the attention, no one came forward to adopt him.
It was baffling—Drogo was such a good boy. Why was he still waiting?
Source: Austin Animal Center
“He’s house-trained, loves walks, and is so sweet. Someone please take him home!” a shelter worker pleaded in one of her videos.
But despite their efforts, interest in adopting Drogo remained heartbreakingly low.
As Drogo turned four, he also marked a bittersweet milestone—his 550th day at the shelter.
Determined to make the day special, a volunteer threw him a birthday party. Amid the celebration, everyone had the same wish for him: to finally find a home, this time forever.
And then, as if fate had been waiting for the right moment, their wish came true.
“It must have been a good luck charm because Drogo was ADOPTED today after 500+ days in the shelter!” the shelter joyfully announced in a Facebook post.
Source: Austin Animal Center
Drogo, sweet boy… you never deserved such a long wait, nor the heartbreak that came with it.
But now, at last, you have a home—a real, forever home. And with it, a person who will finally mend your broken heart.
Enjoy the rest of your life, Drogo! May it be filled with love, happiness, and all the belly rubs you deserve. 💙