When photographer Sophie Gamand first met Grey four years ago, the black-and-white pit bull mix greeted her with an open-mouthed grin and playful energy.
He posed like a pro, tongue out, exuding charm.
But Grey’s story began years before that joyful photo. In 2016, Grey arrived at the Calhoun County Humane Society in Alabama with his mom and brother.
A man had dropped them off, saying he could no longer care for them. They’d lived their lives as “yard dogs,” with little human interaction, and were shy and uncertain when they first arrived.
Soon after, Grey’s mom and sibling were transported to a New York shelter, where they quickly found forever homes. But Grey stayed behind — and he’s been there ever since.
Over the past seven years, Grey has transformed. Once timid, he’s now friendly, treat-motivated, and gentle.
“He’s grown to where he loves people,” said Shelly Hunt, board president of the Calhoun County Humane Society. “He loves to play and he’s just gotten better and better.”
Despite all this progress, Grey still waits.
Recently, he posed once more for a new photo session with Wags To Riches Photography. The difference was striking. The once-youthful pup now has a soft halo of white around his muzzle and eyes.
In place of his goofy smile was a quiet, almost pleading expression — the face of a dog still waiting for someone to choose him.
For shelter staff, it’s heartbreaking. “It’s tough to see the fluffy ones, the puppies, the little dogs come and go,” Hunt said. “And then there’s Grey, day after day. It’s hard on all of us.”
One reason for Grey’s long stay is that he needs to be the only pet in a home. He’s not severely dog-aggressive, and he can walk near other dogs calmly — he just struggles with face-to-face interactions.
“He has no issues with people,” Hunt added. “He walks beautifully on a leash and still has plenty of energy.”
Grey would thrive with an active family who can give him attention, structure, and playtime. Though older now, he still loves to run, explore, and enjoy life outside the kennel.
“He’ll often tilt his head when people walk by, as if asking, ‘Is it my turn yet?’” Hunt said.
“And when he walks back into his kennel after playing, it’s like he’s accepted that this is his home. But we don’t want that. We want him to have a real home.”
If you think you could be the one to finally give Grey the life he’s waited so long for, you can fill out an adoption application on the Calhoun County Humane Society website here. For more information on Grey, you can check out his PetFinder profile.
