A Dog Who Arrived at a Florida Shelter ‘Emaciated and Deeply Fearful,’ Finally Finds a Home After 3-Year Wait

Draco the dog welcomed the new year surrounded by the loving family he had waited so long to find.

The black-and-white pup arrived at Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS) in December 2022 in heartbreaking condition. At intake, shelter staff described him as emaciated, shy, and deeply fearful. He was visibly underweight, with the effects of neglect apparent on his frail body.

Draco’s recovery did not happen overnight. It required time, patience, and compassionate rehabilitation from both the dog and the MDAS team. Through the shelter’s enrichment, medical, and behavior programs, he slowly rebuilt his strength and trust. Over time, Draco transformed into a confident, affectionate companion ready for a new chapter.

“Draco’s transformation is an example of the time, care, and resources invested in pets at MDAS each day,” said Annette Jose, director of Miami-Dade Animal Services, in a statement. “We are committed to saving the life of every savable pet.”

Although Draco was adoption-ready after his recovery, finding the right match proved challenging. For nearly two years, he received little adoption interest and remained at MDAS longer than most dogs.

Determined to change that, MDAS partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to help Draco reach more potential adopters. Best Friends supported the shelter’s Seniors Sleigh Too initiative, a program focused on increasing adoption opportunities for long-stay and senior dogs.

“At Best Friends, we believe pets belong in homes—not shelters,” said Scott Giacoppo, senior director of national shelter support at Best Friends Animal Society, in a statement. “The Seniors Sleigh Too initiative gives the community a joyful opportunity to make a real, lifesaving difference this holiday season.”

Those efforts paid off. On December 27, 2025, Draco was officially adopted, allowing him to ring in 2026 in the arms of his new family. A local South Florida family welcomed him home, and he is reportedly settling in well.

MDAS hopes Draco’s journey inspires others to consider adopting long-stay shelter pets. Dozens of dogs are still waiting at the shelter for their own happy endings.

To learn more about MDAS and to meet the organization’s adoptable pets, visit the MDAS website.