'Saddest and Most Physically-Broken' Dog at Shelter Is Starting to Lose Hope -- and It's Heartbreaking
A senior dog named Chuck Norris is having the hardest time getting adopted from the Leavenworth Animal Control shelter in Kansas, but one staffer hasn't given up on finding him a new family. They're behind the latest video shared on the @fortheforgottendogs TikTok, and by telling this dog's story, they hope to find him a forever home.
"Meet the saddest and most physically broken dog at the shelter," the video's text overlay conveys, introducing Chuck Norris. "He looks like he's already given up ... as if he understands that no one wants an old, physically broken dog."
@fortheforgottendogs Chuck Norris came into the shelter as a stray almost 2 months ago… and since then he has received absolutely zero interest. Every time I see him, I see a dog struggling. Struggling to breathe. Struggling to get up. Struggling to rest comfortably on hard concrete floors. I see a dog living in pain. Chuck came in wearing two collars, meaning someone once owned him… yet no one ever came for him. He also has several masses on his body, making it even harder to watch him struggle in a shelter kennel instead of resting comfortably in a home. Now he's spending his days in a loud, stressful shelter environment that is clearly taking a toll on his body and spirit. He does not deserve to spend whatever time he has left suffering in a kennel. The veterinarian listed him at 5 years old, likely to help give him a chance at adoption, but realistically Chuck looks and acts closer to 7–8 years old. He's listed as a German Shepherd and has ignored other dogs at the shelter. If you have the heart, means, or even a place for a senior dog to finally rest comfortably, please consider Chuck Norris. Leavenworth Animal Control - Leavenworth, KS +1 913-682-0268 jenny.chadwick@leavenworthks.gov #Adoptme#dogsoftiktok#Kansas#fyp#doglover
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This is beyond heartbreaking to watch! The video shows various clips of Chuck Norris consistently acting reserved and withdrawn. This senior dog "has several masses on his body," and @fortheforgottendogs mentioned how difficult it is to watch this sad German Shepherd mix go unadopted.
Related: Senior Kelpie Mix Keeps Getting Passed Over at the Shelter Because He's So Scared
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"Chuck Norris came into the shelter as a stray almost two months ago … and since then he has received absolutely zero interest," @fortheforgottendogs expressed in the post caption, and he also tends to stick to himself.
How the Shelter Takes a Toll on Dogs
Like many senior dogs, Chuck Norris is struggling with being in a shelter. Many times, potential adopters are attracted to the idea of raising a puppy. The ASPCA notes that older dogs "have a 25% adoption rate, compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies."
Therefore, senior dogs are left in shelters for longer periods, and the shelter environment can be stressful for them. Whatever routine a dog had before coming to the shelter has been disrupted. In addition, these dogs are placed in fairly loud, unfamiliar surroundings with other dogs that are strangers to them. They also have to interact with humans they don't know or trust.
This is similar to what's happening with Chuck Norris, and as @fortheforgottendogs expressed, "Now he's spending his days in a loud, stressful shelter environment that is clearly taking a toll on his body and spirit. He does not deserve to spend whatever time he has left suffering in a kennel."
This doesn't have to continue being his story. @fortheforgottendogs posted the video to help this senior dog find a loving family. If you're in the area and interested in meeting Chuck Norris, check out Leavenworth Animal Control's Petfinder site, or contact the kind person behind this video. Let's find him a forever home!
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 9:20 AM.