A shelter dog has spent the majority of his life in a shelter being overlooked by visitors for the most heartbreaking of reasons.

Knox is a Great Pyrenees and Labrador mix who, despite weighing 77 pounds, is considered something of a softy. "He's a gentle giant," Lynn Ludwig, a volunteer at Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri, where Knox lives, told Newsweek. "He came to the shelter as a stray, so not much is known of his past." Ludwig was the one who first showed Knox's situation as part of a video posted to her TikTok account @thegoldengirls49.

Knox was only a few months old when he first arrived at the facility, and it was hoped he would be adopted out quickly. Two years on, however, Knox is still there, and Ludwig thinks she has a pretty good idea of the reason why. "He is a very sweet and affectionate dog but I think he keeps getting overlooked because he is deaf," she said.

That is not necessarily the reason, of course. A number of factors may have led to Knox enduring an extended stay at the shelter. In 2021, a study published in the journal Animals saw researchers outline several of the most common characteristics seen among long-term shelter dogs.

Researchers found that the majority of these dogs were more often of older age, male, of large size, neutered, and considered a "dangerous breed." Though Knox doesn't fit it to each and every one of those categories, the findings do seem to suggest that his size could well be a key influence.

After all, being deaf doesn't seem to have held him back. "Being deaf doesn't stop him," Ludwig said. "He's sharp, a quick learner and he loves to please people."

Ludwig added that Knox is the kind of dog who appreciates the simple pleasures in life. "Whether it's a walk, a quiet afternoon in the yard or curling up for some cozy time, he's happiest when things are calm and peaceful," she said. "He loves chewing on bones, playing tug of war and belly rubs!"

Though he has struggled to drum up much adoption interest, Ludwig remains hopeful that there is someone out there willing to take him on as their only pet and make him the center of attention.

"He has a gentle nature that makes him a perfect match for someone looking for a loyal, low-maintenance companion," Ludwig said. "He is ready to share his heart and create a lifetime of cherished memories with a family willing to appreciate the sweet spirit he will bring to his forever home."

His story certainly appears to have captured the attention of dog lovers on TikTok since Ludwig posted about his situation. "I'm praying this sweet boy goes to a good home. He is so precious," one user commented alongside a teary-faced emoji.

"Sweet Knox, don't give up you beauty boy," another wrote, with a third adding: "All I want for Christmas is for Knox to get adopted."