Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Fumipets
Face of ‘Gentle Giant’ Shelter Dog No One Wanted to Adopt for Longest Time
For nearly six months, an animal shelter’s “gentle giant” waited patiently for someone to adopt him. Despite his calm demeanor and friendly nature, no one stepped forward to give him a home. The workers and volunteers at the shelter were baffled by this, wondering why no one wanted to take home such a sweetheart.
Meet Sirius: The Gentle Giant
Sirius, a wire-haired lurcher, is estimated to be between 2 to 5 years old according to his listing on the RSPCA West Norfolk website. Although the shelter received no history about Sirius, the staff quickly learned that he is a friendly dog. He is quiet and calm, walks well on the leash, and has all the traits that would typically get a dog quickly adopted.
Sirius’s Wait for Adoption
During his six months living in the animal shelter, Sirius did not receive a single adoption application. This was surprising to the staff and volunteers, considering his gentle nature and good behavior.
The Power of Social Media
In an optimistic effort to find Sirius a home, the shelter shared a video about him on their TikTok account, @westnorfolkrspca. In the clip, Sirius calmly sits in his kennel, looking at the camera with hopeful eyes. The caption referred to Sirius as the shelter’s “very own BFG,” a nod to the title character in Roald Dahl’s 1982 children’s novel, known for his gentle and sweet mannerisms despite his large size.
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The Impact of Social Media
Even after receiving over 450,000 views on TikTok, the animal shelter said in a follow-up clip that it had received only two adoption applications for Sirius. Viewers of the TikTok video flooded the comments section with positive words and hopefulness that his forever family would eventually come.
Hopeful Comments from Viewers
- “Oh Sirius…you are beautiful. Why the hell has he been overlooked?” asked one viewer.
- Another commented, “Sirius is beautiful. I sincerely hope he gets his forever home ASAP.”
- A third person said, “My heartstrings are being tugged again, I really wish I lived closer.”
The Magic of Social Media Works
The social media magic worked as over 475,400 views, 45,800 likes, and 1,328 comments poured in by Thursday, bringing the dog’s new family forward. If all goes according to plan, Sirius will be off living with his new family come Monday. The shelter shared a video on Wednesday with this update.
Sirius’s New Family
His new family commented on the updated clip: “We are so excited to bring him home. He’s such a lovely, lovely boy. His spot on the sofa is already reserved!! See you soon our beautiful boy.”
The Pet Adoption Crisis
Sirius’s story sheds light on the larger issue of pet adoption in the United States. Animal shelters are often at breaking point, struggling to find homes for all the animals in their care.
Why Are Shelters Overwhelmed?
Several factors contribute to this crisis:
- Overpopulation: Many shelters are inundated with more animals than they can handle due to overpopulation.
- Lack of Awareness: Potential pet owners are often unaware of the benefits of adopting from shelters.
- Misconceptions: Some people have misconceptions about shelter animals, believing they are problematic or untrainable.
The Importance of Pet Adoption
Adopting a pet from a shelter not only provides a home for an animal in need but also helps alleviate the burden on shelters. It’s a win-win situation for both the animal and the new owner.
Benefits of Adopting Shelter Animals
- Saving Lives: By adopting, you are giving an animal a second chance at life.
- Supporting Shelters: Adoption fees often go back into the shelter to help more animals.
- Finding Your Perfect Pet: Shelters have a variety of animals, making it possible to find the perfect match for your home.
Conclusion
Sirius’s journey from an overlooked shelter dog to a beloved family member highlights the power of social media and the importance of pet adoption. His story is a testament to the many wonderful animals waiting in shelters for their forever homes. If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, remember Sirius and consider adopting from a shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
How long did Sirius wait for adoption?
Sirius waited nearly six months in the shelter before finding his forever home.
What breed is Sirius?
Sirius is a wire-haired lurcher.
How did social media help Sirius get adopted?
The shelter shared a video of Sirius on TikTok, which received over 450,000 views and brought attention to his adoption needs.
Why are animal shelters often overwhelmed?
Animal shelters face overpopulation, lack of awareness, and misconceptions about shelter animals, leading to an overwhelming number of animals in need of homes.
What are the benefits of adopting a shelter animal?
Adopting a shelter animal saves lives, supports shelters, and helps you find the perfect pet for your home.
For more information, visit the original Newsweek article.
