Florida Senior Dog Waits Nearly 5 Years In A Shelter Before Love Finds Him

By George Garcia 01/20/2026

It is difficult to imagine how Jones must have felt as he watched other dogs leave the shelter with their new families while he stayed behind, still waiting to be chosen.

This gentle thirteen year old dog spent years hoping for a home of his own. Although he was affectionate, playful, and kind, visitors often overlooked him because of his age.

Jones had so much love to give and all the qualities of a wonderful companion. Sadly, no one stopped long enough to truly see him. If they had, they would have found a loyal soul patiently waiting to be loved.

Two Advocates Refuse To Let Him Be Forgotten


TikTok creators Eric Noxon and Joseph Masloski, known as “The Dog Guys,” use their platform eric.and.joey to spotlight shelter dogs in need of homes.

When they visited the Humane Society of Greater Miami North, they met Jones curled up in his kennel, his eyes filled with sadness. Learning that he had spent years being overlooked broke their hearts.

They immediately shared his story online, hoping to help him find the home he deserved. The video quickly gained attention, and for the first time in years, people began to notice Jones. A kind-hearted family even offered to foster him temporarily.


But when Noxon and Masloski returned, they were crushed to see Jones still behind the same kennel door.

“It’s heartbreaking to see such a kind, loving soul spend years behind kennel doors. You start to wonder—why? Why has he been overlooked for so long? What did he do to deserve this,” Noxon and Masloski wrote on TikTok.

Determined not to let his story end there, they chose to foster Jones themselves. They took him on outings and filmed his happiness, hoping to increase his chances of being adopted.

The moment Jones saw them, his tail began to wag. It was as if he sensed something wonderful was about to happen.


They brought him to a groomer for a fresh trim, then headed to the beach, a place Jones clearly loved.

With the sun warming his back and sand beneath his feet, Jones ran joyfully, his face lit up with a smile. After years of waiting, he was finally experiencing freedom and joy.

A Long-Awaited Home At Last


After three unforgettable days, it was time to return Jones to the shelter. He seemed to understand the fun was over, and his spirits dropped.

But the videos shared by Noxon and Masloski reached the right people. Within weeks, a family who had recently lost their senior dog saw Jones online and felt an instant connection.

Soon, the shelter posted the update everyone had hoped for: Jones was finally leaving the kennel behind.


His eyes gleamed with happiness as he walked out with his new family, finally heading to the home he had waited 1,739 days to find.

For the first time in years, Jones felt calm and content. He had found the forever home he had always dreamed of.


Now settled in Tampa, Florida, Jones is enjoying life with his loving family.

They even created an Instagram account to share his adventures, showing the world that this senior dog is finally living the joyful life he always deserved.

Gratitude goes to the staff at the Humane Society of Greater Miami North for their years of care, and to Eric and Joseph for making sure Jones’ story was seen.

Jones’ journey is a powerful reminder that every dog deserves love, no matter how long it takes to find it.

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