Shelter’s Longest-Serving Dog Adopted After Viral Clip Shows He’s ‘Ignored’

On September 12th, Dogs Space featured an uplifting tale about the longest-standing resident of a rescue shelter, whose heartwarming journey has finally led him to a loving home. Sarge, the beloved canine, stole the hearts of many after his story gained traction online.

Captured by photographer Albert Harris, who is dedicated to Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, Florida, a heartfelt video of Sarge in his kennel made its way onto TikTok, quickly amassing over 3 million views.

Sarge, despite spending more than 70 days at the rescue center, continued to go unnoticed, yet received an outpouring of support from countless readers.

Statistics gathered by Rainwalk Pet Insurance indicate that annually, 4.1 million animals find homes in the United States, comprising 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats.

Despite pet ownership being prevalent in 90.5 million American households, the sobering reality persists with 920,000 animals facing euthanasia in shelters each year.

Senior felines and canines often struggle the most in their quest for permanent homes, while their younger counterparts, puppies, and kittens, tend to garner more attention and are swiftly adopted from shelters.

Following his journey, Sarge has found his forever home with his new family. Christy Ditto, his owner, shared with Dogs Space: “It was destiny. Being an avid animal enthusiast, I stumbled upon him while browsing through the shelter’s webpage about a month ago. His captivating appearance immediately caught my eye, exuding a profound sense of melancholy.”

Being an older dog, Ditto believed that Sarge would exude tranquility and make an excellent canine companion. “I never imagined my husband would agree to bring home this senior fellow,” she reflected as she carried on with her daily routines.

“But then your tale unfolded, and there he was, with his magnificent visage,” Ditto recounted. “My husband sent me a snapshot, and I couldn’t fathom how no one had shown interest in this sweet soul. He had been waiting for so long.”

Without hesitation, the couple engaged in a conversation about Sarge, prompting them to swiftly reach out to Orange County Animal Services to inform them of their imminent arrival.

Not long after his arrival, Sarge found himself comfortably settled into his new home alongside his newfound family. “He’s truly made himself at home,” remarked Ditto.

With a vast audience on TikTok and a plethora of readers engrossed in Sarge’s initial tale, an influx of well-wishers has emerged, numbering in the thousands.

@aharrisphoto Imagine being in a kennel with no to little interaction. This is the case for Sarge. Let’s get him a home. #adoptdontshop #animalshelter #shelterdog #dogtok ♬ original sound – sweetsaudioz

“It’s truly remarkable to witness the outpouring of support from so many individuals. I deeply value and respect those who have expressed their desire to assist, even if circumstances didn’t permit,” expressed Ditto.

Presently, Sarge spends his days basking in affectionate cuddles and playful moments, bringing boundless joy to his adoptive family. “He’s akin to having a constant companion, a true beacon of love,” Ditto shared warmly. “Without a doubt, he’s captured our hearts.”