Imagine how sad shelter dogs feel when they realize that nobody chooses them.
All shelter residents long to be loved immensely, but many of them are overlooked through no fault of their own. Potential adopters pass them by because of their size or how they look.
While they wait in their lonely kennels for someone to give them attention and the chance they desperately need, dogs feel heartbroken.
Bowie knows that feeling all too well. He’s almost two years old, big and strong, but full of heart. Visitors often walk past his kennel, not knowing that he is a real sweetheart.
His story has reached thousands of people, yet he’s still waiting.
A Long Wait
When Bowie first arrived at the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida, everyone believed he would soon find a home.
He was affectionate and he easily bonded with people.
However, life in a kennel was hard for him. The constant shelter noise made him restless. All he wanted was peace and love that only a real home could offer.
The behavior team worked with him daily to help him adjust. They taught him commands like sit, heel, and touch.
Bowie kept believing that his person would notice him and choose him over all other dogs. Whenever a familiar face passed by, his tail would thump with hope.
Heartbreakingly, time passed and still no one applied to adopt him. He was nearly ninety pounds and because of his size, some visitors thought that he was intimidating.
Others didn’t choose him because he needed to be the only pet in the home.
Bowie couldn’t hide the sadness reflected in his eyes. He didn’t understand why his shelter buddies were leaving the shelter with their new families while he stayed behind.
To draw attention to him, staff placed a sign on his kennel that read, “ZERO APPLICATIONS.” They hoped it would make people stop and give Bowie a chance.
Sadly, even then the right person didn’t come.
A Plea From the Heart
After Bowie spent more than 125 days at the shelter, the team decided to share his story online. A video showing him waiting in his kennel with the dejected expression on his face reached millions.
“Bowie has been with us for over 125 days, and it’s truly breaking our hearts,” a shelter representative said in an interview.
Viewers were moved by his heartbreaking story and flooded the comments section.
One volunteer remembered spending time with him during a thunderstorm. “He would look at me with the sweetest eyes, leaning himself towards me asking for hug,” they shared.
Despite being such a wonderful dog, Bowie remains behind kennel bars.
He is the happiest when he gets the chance to go for a walk. He also loves running in the yard doing zoomies.
Most of all, the precious dog loves spending time with volunteers who give him the attention and love he craves.
The staff hasn’t given up on Bowie. They believe that he will soon meet his forever human who will make him the happiest pup in the world.
Until that day comes, Bowie will keep waiting in his kennel, hoping that someone will finally choose him.