Drogo’s 500-Day Journey From Heartbreak to Home

Just imagine the immense sadness Drogo must have felt when he was brought back only a week after being adopted, following an exhausting 500-day stay at the shelter. For many shelter dogs, days turn into months and years as they wait for the warmth of a loving home. Some are fortunate to find families quickly, but others, like Drogo, endure endless uncertainty, clinging to hope for a brighter future.

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Living within the confines of a kennel may be safer than the streets, but staring at the same four walls for more than two years takes a toll on any living being. Drogo, an American Pitbull Terrier, first arrived at the Austin Animal Center after his owner was evicted. Though his owner promised to return, he never came back, leaving Drogo behind to wait.

Days turned to weeks, then months. New dogs came and went, finding families quickly, but Drogo always stayed. He soon became the shelter’s longest resident. Volunteers adored him, often calling him a favorite, but their greatest wish was for him to find a forever home. “He thinks he’s a lapdog, and we haven’t had the heart to tell him otherwise. He’s house-trained, doesn’t bark much, and did well with my 6-year-old son. Drogo is a friend to every person he meets and quickly became a volunteer favorite,” said Jessica, one of the dedicated volunteers.

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Finally, after such a long wait, Drogo was adopted. Sadly, the joy didn’t last. Just one week later, he was returned, leaving him devastated. Staff and volunteers were heartbroken, sharing their grief online: “We are all crushed that Drogo was returned to the shelter so quickly. He was one of the longest stay dogs at the shelter, and now he’s back again. He’s devastated. It’s not fair.”

Despite the setback, the shelter never gave up on him. They posted videos, wrote heartfelt pleas, and watched as his story spread nationwide, yet adopters never came forward. Even during events where dozens of other dogs found homes, Drogo was overlooked. He celebrated his 4th birthday inside the shelter, marking 550 days of waiting, but volunteers threw him a party and wished for a miracle.

That wish finally came true. The Austin Animal Center proudly announced: “It must have been a good luck charm because Drogo was ADOPTED today after 500+ days in the shelter.” The sweet boy who had waited so long and endured so much heartbreak finally had a home.

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Drogo, you didn’t deserve the pain of waiting or the sadness of being returned. But now, you can enjoy the rest of your life in the comfort of a loving family who will treasure you for the incredible dog you are.

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