Imagine a dog whose tail never stops wagging — through the clang of kennels, the buzz of visitors, the echo of footsteps and forlorn sighs. This is Graco: described by volunteers as the “happiest dog at the shelter,” even though he’s facing one of his biggest, most unwelcome tests yet. Despite his naturally warm spirit and unmistakable zest for life, Graco is on the clock in a crowded shelter and desperately needs someone to say “yes” to his future. Graco’s story shared on media including Newsweek is a tear jerking one because if he is not adopted, Draco is at risk of being euthanized.
The Sunny Disposition Behind the Kennel Bars
Graco walked into the doors of DeKalb County Animal Services in the Atlanta area on July 16, 2025 — now counting close to 100 days in the system. He’s a three-year-old, 60-pound bully-boxer mix with a heart ready to pour out for someone who’ll open their home. Volunteers note he knows basic commands (“come,” “sit,” “shake”) and treats gently.
What makes Graco’s spirit shine isn’t just his ease with human affection, but his ability to stay buoyant in a place that, by design, can be wearying. Kennels. Waiting rooms. Intake after intake. It’s not where a dog like him should stay — yet that’s been his story so far.
When “No-Kill” Meets Realworld Strain
To understand Graco’s situation, it helps to know a bit of shelter reality. Though the DeKalb facility is managed by Lifeline Animal Project and proudly operates with a “no-kill” approach, meaning high live-release rates of over 90%, it still works under a “humane capacity” system.
When space is full, difficult decisions must be made: some animals get placed on an at-risk list so new arrivals can be accommodated.Right now, Graco is third on this “at-risk” list. The shelter recently held 11 more dogs than its ideal capacity. In that moment between wagging tails and hopeful hearts, Graco’s bright spirit faces pressure — not from the dog world, but from the system itself.
Graco’s story was shard on Instagram by Olivia Myers (@hey.look.at.this.dog), a 34-year-old environmental scientist from Tampa, Florida. The reel has captured the hearts of animal lovers across social media where Myers, who volunteers at animal shelters, said Graco is “the happiest guy of the shelter”—despite his heartbreaking race against being put down.
Pressure and the Toll of Waiting
For a happy dog who’s used to affection and action, the kennel system can feel heavy. Volunteers note that Graco’s behaviour has begun to shift: he’s withdrawn from group play, grown selective with fellow dogs, and begun fixating during his solo kennel time. These changes aren’t rooted in his essence — they’re responses to stress.
And the message is crystal clear: every day of waiting isn’t harmless. For a dog like Graco, each hour in limbo removes a little of his glow, as the environment chips away at the gregarious being within. He needs more than a roof over his head — he needs a home, someone who sees his heart and understands his past 100 days have already asked too much.
A Call to Love: Could You Be His Forever?
Here’s where the story becomes hopeful, because Graco’s next chapter is still unwritten — and you could help write it. The shelter is actively accepting both foster and adoptive applications, and volunteers promise that necessary supplies will be provided for fostering.
Think: a gentle giant who’s already mastered ‘sit’ and ‘shake,’ who thrives on human connection and deserves the “forever” that so many wait for. Imagine him, tail wagging at sunrise, booted out of the kennel into a yard or living room — about to learn the “3-3-3 rule” of adjustment: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the new routines, three months to truly settle in.
If you’ve got the space in your life and your heart, consider opening your home to this bright soul. If not, you can still help — share his story, amplify the plea, and maybe help someone else become Graco’s hero. The shelter is accepting both foster and adoption applications for Graco. Instagrammers have responded to the post flooding it with comments with one saying “Keeping paws and fingers crossed for you.”
Sometimes, the most joyous hearts are the ones in the greatest need of love. Graco’s tail keeps wagging — and it’s telling us: “I’m ready. I’m hoping. I’m waiting.” Let’s not keep him waiting too much longer.Hopefully by now Graco has been adopted and if he hasn’t one can contact the shelter to see if his time has been extended or not.
Dekalb County Animal Services
3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
