4-year-old Pit Bull has spent half of his life waiting to be adopted — yet his reaction to other dogs finding homes is heartbreaking

Shelters are a hopeful place for dogs as they wait for their future owner to take them to their forever homes. While this dream comes true for many shelter pups, others continue to live in the hope of one day being adopted. Such is the story of a 4-year-old Pit Bull named Papa residing at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Washington. When shelter staff Julie Saraceno (@jsaraceno) shared Papa’s joy for other pups getting adopted on Instagram, it struck a chord with 108,000 viewers and led to an outpouring of love and support for the dog. 

Despite his long stay at the shelter, Papa has not lost hope of finding a forever home and celebrates the joy of other pups. Saraceno highlighted that the Pit Bull has been staying at the shelter for the longest time, about 915 days, which equals two and a half years. “When you’ve been a shelter dog for 915 days but you haven’t lost hope and you love celebrating the other dogs' dreams coming true,” the overlay text on the viral clip hinted. In the caption, Saraceno emphasized that Papa is still up for adoption at the shelter. As Papa heard other dogs going home with their new owners, Papa moved with excitement, wagging his tail and barking in sheer joy. 

The shelter staff revealed that Papa is most fond of playing fetch in an open yard. “He is happiest when you take him to the play yard with a tennis ball. He could literally play fetch for hours. I recently rented a Sniffspot so he could have a backyard of his own,” Saraceno told Newsweek. Papa’s persistence and cheerful spirit are an inspiration to the shelter members. Although surrendered by his owners, he still finds joy in little things like car rides and ball games. The rescue pup is, however, not very friendly with cats but can make dog friends. “So with the right dog, he could be OK with having a sibling! He is still adoptable at the Benton Franklin Humane Society in Kennewick, Washington," she noted. 

Papa entered the shelter after his family surrendered him before moving away in February 2023. Ever since, he has been waiting to be adopted again. People were deeply touched by Papa’s unconditional love and contagious energy. “Just look at that sweet little face,” said @birchi1213, while @lisagh18 prayed, “Oh Papa! Praying, little guy, for your forever family!” “He’s so sweet, especially given the shelter environment. Imagine him in a safe home with kind, caring people. He’s so very deserving,” penned @sco2nc.

According to a report by Shelter Animals Count, dog and cat adoptions witnessed a steep decline in 2020. Numbers have never fully recovered, with more pets entering shelters than getting adopted. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported that 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues in 2024. 4.2 million were adopted into loving homes, and nearly 607,000 animals faced euthanasia. 

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