Florida Dog With A Big Smile Breaks Hearts After People Learn Her Sad Secret
The internet is rallying behind one very special pup, a dog described as “the happiest guy at the shelter,” who is now facing euthanasia simply because his shelter is out of space.
Graco, a 3-year-old bully and boxer mix, has been waiting nearly 100 days at DeKalb County Animal Services in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Despite being known for his wagging tail and joyful personality, the sweet dog is now running out of time unless a foster or adopter steps forward.
Graco’s story went viral after Olivia Myers, a 34-year-old environmental scientist and dedicated shelter volunteer from Tampa, Florida, shared his video on Instagram under the handle @hey.look.at.this.dog.
The short clip shows Graco beaming with happiness, his whole body wiggling with excitement, even as he unknowingly faces a heartbreaking deadline. As Myers told Newsweek:
“Graco has been in the shelter system for nearly 100 days. He’s the happiest guy in the shelter, but he desperately needs someone to save him.”
Graco is currently in the care of DeKalb County Animal Services, which, along with Fulton County Animal Services, is managed by Lifeline Animal Project, a nonprofit that has worked for years to make Atlanta’s shelters a safe haven and euthanasia free.
Both shelters maintain live release rates of over 90 percent, a remarkable achievement, but overcrowding remains an ongoing challenge.
Even with strong no-euthanasia policies, shelters can only care for so many animals at once.
DeKalb operates under what’s known as a “humane capacity” system, meaning that when the shelter exceeds its limit, some dogs must be placed on an at-risk list to make room for new arrivals.
Unfortunately, Graco’s name is currently number three on that list. Myers said the shelter was recently 11 dogs over capacity, making his situation increasingly urgent.
Like many young, energetic dogs, Graco has started to struggle with kennel stress after months in confinement.
“He has stopped participating in playgroup because he’s become a little dog-selective,” Myers explained. “He’s also begun fixating on things in his kennel, which makes him harder to leash and redirect. These behaviors first appeared after about a month and a half, and now we’re going on three months.”
Myers stressed that these behaviors are temporary and a direct result of stress. “Once he’s in a stable home, they’ll likely disappear or fade away,” she said.
Despite his current situation, Graco’s personality still shines through. Myers describes him as “affectionate, gentle, and eager to please.”
He knows basic commands like sit and shake, comes when called, and takes treats softly. “He’s likely potty-trained and very wiggly with people, overall, a great temperament,” she said.
At around 60 pounds, Graco is an ideal medium-size companion. He’s playful yet calm, smart but sensitive, the kind of dog who just needs a patient home and a second chance.
Myers encourages potential adopters and fosters to remember the “3-3-3 rule,” a simple guide to helping shelter dogs adjust: it usually takes three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the household routine, and three months to fully settle in.
Volunteers like Myers aren’t shelter employees, but they’re often the driving force behind saving dogs like Graco. They work tirelessly to network animals, find fosters, and spread awareness on social media.
Myers praised the local rescue community for stepping up day after day.
Groups such as @rescueme_atl regularly work with volunteers and shelter staff to save at-risk dogs, sometimes rescuing as many as 98 dogs in a single week through foster programs and social campaigns.
The shelter is currently accepting both foster and adoption applications for Graco, with all necessary supplies provided for anyone willing to foster. Even short-term fosters can make a big difference by freeing up space for other dogs.
Since Myers shared Graco’s story, social media has flooded with messages of love and hope for the smiling pup. One user wrote:
“Keeping paws and fingers crossed for you.”
“WOW, he is adorable and so deserving. Somebody go get a new best friend – Graco!” another added. Eva wrote:
“Shared, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you, sweet Graco.”
“What a little cutie! Prayers for a loving forever home ASAP,” said Jamie.
Every comment, every share, and every bit of attention helps bring Graco closer to the home he deserves. Because even in an overcrowded shelter, where time is running short, hope still wags its tail.
