Senior Kelpie Mix Keeps Getting Passed Over at the Shelter Because He's So Scared
It's difficult when older dogs end up in shelters. One senior Kelpie mix in Broward County, Florida, is really in need of a loving home. Sadly, people aren't stopping to pay attention to this sensitive, senior dog named Olaf. "They keep walking past him," wrote @humanebroward in the post caption of a recent TikTok video.
The Humane Society of Broward County explained that Olaf is being passed over because of how scared he appears and acts. "Olaf has been overlooked for over a month, and every day in the shelter is getting harder for him," they added.
@humanebroward They keep walking past him Olaf has been overlooked for over a month, and every day in the shelter is getting harder for him. At 8 years old, this sweet Australian Kelpie mix should be curled up on a soft bed and spending his days feeling safe. Instead, he sits in his kennel shaking, trying to make himself small enough that maybe the scary world will not notice him. He is so shut down that he needs to be carried outside. He is too scared to show adopters who he really is, so they keep passing him by. Not a single adoption application. But outside the kennel, little pieces of Olaf come back. He frolics in the grass, sniffs everything carefully, and even enjoys a simple game of chase. He may not care much for treats or toys, but he does seem to care about feeling safe. Olaf is healthy, potty trained, and gets along with other dogs once he feels comfortable. He does not need a perfect home. He needs a patient and kind family that understands some dogs need time before they believe they are finally safe. It is clear Olaf has had some hard days before coming to us from another shelter, and the shelter is not helping his heart heal. He needs out before he shuts down even more. Please do not let everyone keep walking past him. Please share Olaf. He needs someone to finally see him and somewhere safe to spend the rest of his life. His adoption fee has been generously covered by @subaruofpembrokepines and he will even go home with some goodies. To meet Olaf, visit our website and complete a pre-adoption application. The Humane Society of Broward County is open daily at 11 a.m. at 2070 Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale. #AdoptDontShop#RescueDog#ShelterDog#AdoptMe
original sound - Humane Society Broward County
Imagine how scared this little guy must be! As @humanebroward staff stated, "At 8 years old, this sweet Australian Kelpie mix should be curled up on a soft bed and spending his days feeling safe. Instead, he sits in his kennel shaking, trying to make himself small enough that maybe the scary world will not notice him."
They continued, "He is so shut down that he needs to be carried outside. He is too scared to show adopters who he really is, so they keep passing him by. Not a single adoption application."
Viewers' hearts are breaking for this pup, as they want Olaf to find a family soon. "Oh, my heart, I wish I could take you, Olaf," expressed @floridagirll1973, and @lorilala25 chimed in, "Keep your head up, baby; your family is coming.
While Olaf may be shy, the video shows that his spirits lift when he's outside the kennel, running in the grass and playing with the staff. They believe this dog needs a "patient and kind family" to make him feel safe.
The staff believes that before Olaf came to them, he'd had some rough times at other shelters, and they stated that they don't believe shelter life is best for Olaf. So they're doing their best to find him a home.
Related: Stray Dog Spots Woman Out on a Run -- Then Decides She's Her New Family
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Why Senior Dogs Are Often Overlooked
There are several reasons why older dogs, like Olaf, are overlooked at shelters, starting with their age. It's common for people to want to adopt cute puppies they can raise and grow with. Senior dogs are older and may require specialized care, as dogs are more likely to have or develop health issues later in life.
In this case, the Humane Society of Broward County confirms, "Olaf is healthy, potty trained, and gets along with other dogs once he feels comfortable."
By sharing this video, The Humane Society of Broward County is hoping a loving family will notice Olaf. According to them, his adoption fee has already been paid for by @subaruofpembrokepines, and they'll be sending him off with goodies.
To meet Olaf, fill out a pre-application on their website, and you can begin the process of bringing this sweet pup home.
Let's help Olaf find his forever family!
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 4:20 PM.