Spending an extended period in a shelter can severely affect a dog’s well-being. Many shelters witness once happy and hopeful dogs become despondent after months of rejection.

Such is the case for Major, a dog at an Indiana shelter who has been “crying endlessly” more than 260 days after being abandoned by his previous family. Despite this, his friends at the shelter remain optimistic that the perfect family is out there for him.

Major is a 4-year-old terrier/pitbull mix under the care of the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Indiana.

He arrived as a stray last summer. Although microchipped, and the shelter managed to contact his original owners, they promised to retrieve him but never did.

Since then, Major has stayed at the shelter. Despite the initial heartbreak, he was in good spirits at first. The humane society described him as a “sweet and sensitive” dog, a “true companion with a big heart” who loves to play and adores his Jolly Ball.

The staff affectionately called him a handsome boy and nicknamed him “Major hunk” and “Major heartthrob.” Sadly, despite these qualities, months passed, and Major was repeatedly overlooked by potential adopters.

Shelter staff report that the ongoing rejection has taken a toll on Major’s once bright spirits.

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“His spunky personality is dimming,” the humane society shared on Facebook. “This once jolly ball-lovin’ boy now sits in his room and cries endlessly.”

To alleviate his stress, the shelter has moved him from the kennels to the visiting room. However, they acknowledge that the only real solution is finding Major a permanent home as soon as possible.