After Three Years in a Shelter, Draco Is Still Waiting for a Home
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
After nearly three years at Miami-Dade Animal Services, a dog named Draco is still waiting for what he wants most: a home.
When Draco arrived at the county shelter, he was severely underweight and fearful of people. Staff say he needed extensive medical care, behavioral support, and time to recover. Through daily enrichment, treatment, and training, Draco gradually changed. He is now healthy, confident, and comfortable around people.
Shelter officials point to Draco’s progress as an example of what long-term care can achieve for vulnerable animals. According to Miami-Dade Animal Services Director Annette Jose, many dogs require more than short-term shelter stays to become adoptable.
This December marks three years since Draco entered the shelter system. He has completed basic obedience training and is described as affectionate and social. Staff believe he would do well in either a permanent home or a foster placement.
Draco is among more than 70 dogs included in the Seniors Sleigh Too holiday adoption initiative, which runs through December 31. As part of the program, adoption fees are waived for dogs age seven and older and for dogs who have been in the shelter longer than six months. All dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Each adoption also includes a starter bundle with basic supplies.
The initiative is supported by Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit focused on reducing euthanasia in U.S. shelters. The organization is encouraging families to consider adopting or fostering older and long-stay pets during the holiday season.
Adoptable dogs can be viewed through Miami-Dade Animal Services. Additional information about the nonprofit partner is available at Best Friends Animal Society.