Is there anything more comforting for a dog than growing old in the same home, surrounded by love?
For Roxanne, a 13-year-old Boxer mix from Georgia, that dream was shattered. Just when it looked like she would be able to enjoy her golden years with her family, tragedy struck, and her whole world fell apart.
In the blink of an eye, Roxanne went from being a cherished family member to a shelter dog with no idea what the future would hold.
Roxanne Lost All
Roxanne’s heartbreaking story was shared by Bruna, a volunteer at Cobb County Animal Services in Georgia, and it quickly touched thousands online.
After her owner sadly passed away, Roxanne had nowhere to go. With no relatives able to step in, she was surrendered to the shelter, confused and grieving.
“Our hearts hurt for Roxanne. Her owner passed away and there was no family that could care for her,” her Petfinder profile explained.
The sweet senior who once had a safe home and steady love was suddenly left with nothing.
At first, Roxanne seemed bewildered by her new surroundings. Life in a small kennel was a huge change, and it was clear her heart was heavy. But one thing remained constant: her smile.
Even through her sadness, Roxanne wagged her tail, greeted volunteers warmly, and showed her gentle nature. It was exactly this spirit that inspired Bruna to fight for her.
“She is a sweetheart and despite everything she seems to be taking it all in stride. She knows to sit when asked but it is a bit difficult. She loves to walk and has pep in her step when on the leash. She should not spend her golden years in a shelter,” her profile read.
Bruna posted her story on TikTok and Instagram, determined to give Roxanne a chance at a new beginning.
A Fresh Start
It didn’t take long for Roxanne’s video to capture hearts across the internet. Thousands of people commented, expressing their sympathy and wishing for a happy ending.
“Poor sweet baby. Hope someone sees your beautiful smile, fall in love with you and give you a warm cozy home,” one person wrote.
“I can’t imagine, someone must give her the twilight years her owner would have wanted. Please please save her and love her,” another added.
Meanwhile, Roxanne kept waiting patiently in her kennel. She wagged her tail for every visitor, smiled at staff, and held onto hope.
Then, the miracle she had been waiting for finally happened.
Just a few days after her story went viral, Bruna shared an update: Roxanne had been adopted!
And not just by anyone—a family who had driven all the way from Pennsylvania to Georgia to bring her home.
“A family drove 12 hours all the way from Pennsylvania to Georgia just to adopt Roxanne,” Bruna revealed in the video.
Though her dream of living out her life with her original owner was cut short, Roxanne’s story didn’t end in heartbreak.
Now, she is safe and loved once again, exactly as she deserves. Her days are spent lounging on a soft couch, enjoying cozy naps, and soaking up cuddles from her new humans.
The senior dog who once lost everything has gained a brand-new family committed to giving her the golden years she always deserved.