Dog Who’s Been in Shelter for 355 Days Waits ‘Like a Good Boy’ for New Home

A dog called Santo has melted hearts on social media after his shelter shared a video of him acting like a good boy to impress all the visitors and finally get his new forever home.

In a post shared on TikTok on July 15, under the username @animalhouseshelter, the pup, who narrowly escaped euthanasia last year, can be seen sitting down like a good boy, with his ears down and even faking a smile.

However, his efforts didn’t pay off, and little Santo is still on the lookout for a new person to love and a place to finally call home.

Animal House Shelter in Huntley, Illinois, told Newsweek that Santo came in August 2023 from a pound in southern Illinois where he was on the euthanasia list due to lack of space.

“Santo would love an active family. He would do best with adults and older children. He loves to play and is super affectionate! He also gets along great with other dogs so wouldn’t mind a doggy brother or sister!” a spokesperson for Animal House Shelter said.

“He is the sweetest boy who unfortunately has just been getting passed over at the shelter,” the spokesperson added.

A caption shared along with the heartwarming clip reads: “Santo sitting like a good boy, so that someone can pick him up at the shelter…

“Meet Santo! He has been waiting for his forever family for 355 days. He is a 3 year old collie/greyhound mix that is good with other dogs and older kids! He is very energetic and would thrive with training. Come meet this sweet boy at Animal House Shelter in Huntley Illinois.”

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, the 24Pet ‘Shelter Watch Report’ found.

The Humane Society of Macomb says the most common reasons for dog surrenders include age, allergies, behavioral issues, cleanup, cost, moving, new pets, and shedding.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received over 26,600 views and almost 4,500 likes on the platform.

One user, Dee George, commented: “Heavenly Father, I pray baby Santo finds a loving family or person who can provide him with the warmth and care he deserves. May he find his forever home soon.”

Tjvasbinder added: “I hope you find your people that you unconditionally, my little rescue unfortunately isn’t pet friendly or I would have many more.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.