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By Rachael O'Connor
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Hearts have broken at a shelter dog who smiles at everyone who walks past her kennel in the hopes of being adopted.
Annie is an 8-year-old mixed breed currently in the care of the Patty Baker Humane Society in Naples, Florida. COO Stephanie Lewis described her to Newsweek as a "senior who's been patiently waiting for almost two years to find her match. She has a smile that lights up any room and a heart overflowing with love."
The senior dog is adored by staff, who have gushed over her "adorable" and "fun-loving" nature in her adoption advert on the PBHS website.
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Unfortunately, potential adopters don't seem to see Annie the same way, as she has been repeatedly overlooked by visitors to the shelter.
But it doesn't stop Annie from trying, as showcased by a heart-wrenching video to the shelter's TikTok account, @pbhsnaples, on September 17.
In the clip, liked more than 27,000 times, a staff member records Annie in her room, sitting patiently on her bed, and looking at the camera with a smile on her face. They wrote: "Annie smiling at anyone who walks by her so they stop and adopt her."
But as the camera zooms in on her friendly, happy expression, the staff member added: "But no one does."
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The shelter wrote in a caption: "Annie has the sweetest smile, and she's hoping it'll help her find her forever home."
The shelter acknowledged Annie's older age, which makes her a senior dog, but told potential adopters that "you'd never guess" she is an older dog, as she is "full of playful energy."
"She loves her stuffies, zooming through our play tunnel, and her absolute favorite thing? Belly rubs! She'll flop right over and melt the moment you give her some good scratches."
Lewis added to Newsweek: "She's the best of both worlds—your cozy Netflix buddy at home, but also the first one to hop in the car for a pup cup or an adventure. Annie loves belly rubs, melts into your arms, and just loves being with her humans."
TikTok users were moved by Annie's story, many expressing interest in adopting her in the comments, where the shelter encouraged them to email the shelter or visit the PBHS Naples website.
"Someone go give this baby all the love," one pleaded, while another wrote: "What a beautiful smile. I hope her smile captures someone's heart and adopts her."
A third commented: "Annie is a senior, she's low maintenance. She just wants to be loved."
Senior canines like Annie have less of a chance of being adopted than younger dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said that older dogs are adopted at a rate of 25 percent, compared to 60 percent for puppies and younger dogs.
However, the ASPCA points to multiple benefits of adopting an older animal: they will have grown out of destructive habits like teething, are more likely to be potty trained and have basic obedience training, and may settle into their new home more quickly and easily than puppies.
In Annie's case, Lewis told Newsweek she would "do best as the only dog in the home, which may be why she's been overlooked—but she's so worth it."
Lewis added: "Annie is a low-rider sweetheart with the biggest smile, so much personality, and endless love to give. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her—we just know her perfect match is out there."
Update, 10/2/25, 11:12 am ET: This article has been updated to include video of Annie at the shelter.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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