A shelter’s longest resident has broken hearts across social media after receiving no adoption applications, with many visitors assuming he is “big and scary.”
The Humane Society of Broward County (@humanebroward) in Florida shared a video of Bowie, an almost 2-year-old Rottweiler and Catahoula mix. The clip, which shows Bowie looking dejected in his kennel, has racked up more than 2.5 million views and over 107,000 likes.
“Bowie has been with us for over 125 days and it is truly breaking our hearts. A shelter can be a stressful place for any animal, but it is especially hard on a dog of Bowie’s size. He is almost 2 years old and weighs about 90 pounds. It will wreck most of our staff if he has to celebrate another holiday here or his second birthday without a home. Even typing that brings tears to my eyes,” a spokesperson for the shelter told Newsweek.
The shelter explained that Bowie is a friendly, affectionate dog who thrives with structured exercise and engagement. Staff said he can be challenging only because of his strength and would do best with an experienced dog owner or someone with a large yard where he can “get his zoomies out,” hunt for lizards, and explore. When he first arrived, he was extremely stressed, and the behavior team has focused on daily exercise, enrichment, and plenty of affection. He has been learning cues such as sit, heel, and touch, and consistently seeks human connection.
According to staff, Bowie needs to be the only animal in the home, as he does not get along with cats or other dogs, and he would benefit from a patient adopter who will let him decompress and finally feel like he belongs.
Visitors at the shelter are met with a sign on Bowie’s kennel that reads: “ZERO APPLICATIONS. I sat here all summer being such a patient good boy. But people pass me by thinking I look big and scary. But I’m not, I’m a good boy. I’m sweet kind and well-behaved…I do love chasing cats, so a ‘no cat’ home is best, I would love to meet your dog to see if we hit it off. Please consider me. I am the longest resident here.”
Instagram users were quick to express their disbelief and heartbreak.
“Just to add how amazing Bowie is. A few weeks ago I took him for a walk and we were stuck in a huge storm. We found a small covered place to protect us from the rain and lightning, and stayed there, sitting down, getting a little wet. He would look at me with the sweetest eyes, leaning himself towards me asking for hug,” one commenter wrote.
“I can’t believe he is still there, he is so beautiful,” said another.
“Oh Bowie you are beautiful…..PLEASE someone save him,” added Katie.
“He’s a doll!! Please someone good, give him a loving home,” another viewer shared.
“I have four cats. But my heart aches for baby Bowie. I hope he finds a safe home soon,” Jess commented.
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