‘Overlooked’ dog was at shelter 364 days. Emotional video cut her stay short of a year
A “constantly overlooked” dog was at a Florida animal shelter for 364 days — but her new owner didn’t let a year pass.
Sophie the “sweet” dog was finally adopted after Seminole County Animal Services shared an emotional post on Facebook. The 15-second timelapse video shows people walking past her kennel as somber music plays.
“At 7 years old she is constantly overlooked in favor of other, younger dogs,” the shelter wrote March 30. “But how can anyone look into her eyes and not fall in love?”
“This sweet, soulful girl still has plenty of pep in her step,” officials continued, adding that Sophie became a favorite among shelter volunteers.
Within hours, hundreds of people reacted to the post, which made some pet lovers curious to know more. The heartbreaking footage also helped Sophie find a home, one day short of spending a year at the shelter.
“Thanks to ALL of you, our dedicated animal lovers, for sharing and spreading the story of Sophie,” Seminole County Animal Services wrote in a March 31 update. “Her new dad saw her on social media and just had to have her.”
Sophie — an older American Staffordshire mix — first came to the shelter on April 1, 2022, and was known for having “soulful eyes and a beautiful gray coat.” The shelter said Sophie, who loves walks, was curious but needed some training on a leash.
After the shelter shared a post-adoption photo of Sophie, people flocked to Facebook to express their well wishes for the dog’s next chapter.
“Thanks to her new dad for adopting & giving her the life she deserves,” one social media user wrote.
Another person commented: “Thank you SCAS for your persistence in finding Sophie a home. The time lapsed video told such a sad tale. Kudos to her new dad for opening his heart and home to this beautiful and loving dog. Their mutual smiles say it all!”
Seminole County Animal Services is in Sanford, roughly 20 miles northeast of Orlando.
This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 6:09 AM with the headline "‘Overlooked’ dog was at shelter 364 days. Emotional video cut her stay short of a year."
