Dog Abandoned in Empty Apartment Still Searching for Home

A dog who was discovered abandoned by its owners in a vacant home is still waiting for a second chance at happiness.

Hoji was discovered by animal control officers who found him alone in an empty apartment where he had been for days without food or water.

Officers captured him and took him to City Dogs Cleveland, the adoption and volunteer program for Cleveland Animal Care and Control.

Estimated to be just a year old and weighing 43 pounds, the pit bull and terrier mix now has up-to-date vaccinations and has been neutered and microchipped.

Despite the city shelter sharing his story in May, he is still waiting there, with no applications for adoption.

Hoji was found alone without food or water in an empty home, left, and is now at the shelter waiting for his fresh start, right. Hoji was found alone without food or water in an empty home, left, and is now at the shelter waiting for his fresh start, right. @citydogscle/TikTok

Newsweek reached out to City Dogs Cleveland via email for comment.

In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.

Around 850,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2023, a rise of 15 percent when compared to 2022. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Earlier this week in an update video, the shelter revealed Hoji met a group of veterinary technician students to teach them what animal control officers do and was delighted to meet new friends, accepting cuddles and all the love he could get.

In hundreds of comments on the TikTok videos of Hoji, animal lovers shared their reactions to his sad story.

Viewer Andi said: "How y'all don't crumble at these sights never ceases to amaze me. Your hearts are not only big but strong! I wouldn't be able to take it."

While another commenter wrote: "Hoji is such a perfect pup! I'd love to see him find his forever home soon."

Animal lover and viewer Doodlebug_68, wrote: "[He] looks like the sweetest boy."

"I pray this angel finds his forever home!!" exclaimed TikToker Jk100291.

Veronica asked: "How has he not been adopted yet?!" to which the city rescue replied: "We are wondering the same thing!"

Hoji remains available for adoption from City Dogs Cleveland where the team describe him as a "sweet and curious" pup.

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