A senior pit bull terrier named Sweetie has melted hearts across social media after a video showing her emotional reaction to being adopted went viral.
With more than 1.6 million views on TikTok and 800,000 on Instagram, 10-year-old Sweetie had been waiting months at Cobb County Animal Services in Georgia before finally finding her forever home.
Despite her age, volunteers said she was full of life and affection, often greeting them with excitement for walks and cuddles.
“Sweetie is a 10-year-old pit bull terrier who arrived at the Cobb County Animal Shelter as a stray. Even though she was 10, she didn’t act like it at all,” Bruna, a volunteer at the shelter, told Newsweek. “She still had so much energy and was always so excited to go on walks with us volunteers. She was such a gentle and loving dog who just wanted affection, we all loved her.”
Bruna said Sweetie was likely passed over because many visitors came looking for younger dogs or puppies.
“I believe she was overlooked because of her age. Sadly, senior dogs are often passed by because people come in looking for puppies, forgetting that older dogs make the most amazing companions,” she said. “Most seniors are already house-trained, calm, and easy to care for. They truly are some of the best pets anyone could adopt, all they need is for someone to give them a chance and a safe, loving place to spend their golden years.”
Senior dogs are among the most overlooked animals in U.S. shelters, often passed by in favor of younger pets despite their gentle temperaments and lower care needs. According to data from Shelter Animals Count, adoptions of senior dogs dropped by 2 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, even as overall dog adoptions remained steady. Older dogs typically spend longer in shelters and face a higher risk of euthanasia, particularly in overcrowded facilities already struggling with capacity issues.
A Heartwarming Adoption
Bruna happened to be at the shelter when Sweetie finally met her new family, and was overwhelmed by the heartwarming moment.
“I saw Sweetie coming back to her kennel with an officer. Behind her, there was a couple following closely. I asked the officer what was happening, and the man told me, ‘We are here for her. We saw her video, and we are adopting her.’ I immediately got emotional. I could not believe that after all this time, someone had finally come for her,” Bruna said.
The adopter and his family were moved by Sweetie’s story online and decided to give her the loving home she deserved. Bruna said the moment was “incredibly emotional,” describing how Sweetie “looked so happy, safe, and loved” as she left the shelter, pausing to say goodbye to volunteers along the way.
Since being adopted, Sweetie has quickly settled into her new home. Her new family frequently shares updates of her enjoying walks, cozy naps, and all the affection she could ask for.
“They posted a video of her first pup cup, her in her new pajamas, taking a bath, and more. She’s living her best life now,” Bruna said. “Her new family absolutely adores her.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.