This Sweet Pit Bull Mix Has Spent Almost 500 Days Waiting for Someone to Choose Him
Some dogs in shelters end up waiting longer for adoption than others. Whether it's due to age, size, health issues, or breed preference, these canines spend a painful amount of time hoping for a forever home.
Ute the Pit Bull mix has been at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter for over a year and just needs someone to give him a chance.
@adopt_bret_and_friends 494 days of being looked at and still left behind. Ute is a petite, intelligent, deeply loving pittie mix who continues to hope every time someone walks past his kennel. There's an adoption event coming up next month, and we even dressed him in a big red bow hoping someone would finally see him. He would thrive as the only pet in a calm home with kids 17+, where he can finally feel safe, understood, and loved. Please help us share Ute so his 495th day doesn't look exactly like the last 494. Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter – Wantagh, Long Island, New York adoption@hempsteadny.gov (516) 785-5220 Shelter Bio: Ute is a 5-year-old charmer with just the right mix of sweet and independent! This thoughtful guy loves treats, playful moments, and showing off his "sit" skills. Ute may take a minute to warm up to new friends, but once he does, his friendly side shines. With a patient, understanding family, he's ready to strut his stuff, build confidence, and become the loyal, quirky companion you never knew you needed! #trendingnow#trendingsong#petsoftiktok#dogsoftiktok#tiktokviral
original sound - Bret & Friends
The TikTok from @adopt_bret_and_friends shares Ute's story and how he keeps getting passed over by potential pet parents.
"494 days of people looking right at Ute and still choosing someone else," the onscreen text explained as the precious Pittie sadly stood alone in his kennel. "Every day, he watches doors open for other dogs, watches them leave, watches them finally become somebody's. And then there's Ute. Still here."
The 5-year-old canine cutie is described in his bio as sweet, independent, and best-suited as the only pet in a calm home with kids over 17 years old so he can feel safe.
"This thoughtful guy loves treats, playful moments, and showing off his 'sit' skills," the caption read. "Ute may take a minute to warm up to new friends, but once he does, his friendly side shines. With a patient, understanding family, he's ready to strut his stuff, build confidence, and become the loyal, quirky companion you never knew you needed!"
Where to Adopt Ute
Ute is still hoping to find his forever family and is stepping up his presence to attract potential adopters.
An upcoming adoption event will be held next month at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, NY, on June 6. Ute will be wearing a bright red bow so he's easy to spot in a crowd, and adoption fees will be waived for the day.
The caption concluded with a plea to give Ute a chance: "Please help us share Ute so his 495th day doesn't look exactly like the last 494."
For more information on the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, the upcoming adoption event, or adopting Ute, please visit the shelter's website, email at adoption@hempsteadny.gov, or call (516) 785-5220.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 10:10 AM.