Viral TikToker takes shelter's saddest looking dog out for a day trip to a Vet Expo, goes viral and gets adopted less than a week later: 'Moments like this… matter so much!'

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Elna McHilderson • Managing Editor
Feb 3, 2026 8:00 AM EST

The saddest shelter dog you have ever seen got adopted because a viral TikTok influencer took him out for a little day trip and the internet fell in love. 

Don Jon, aka DJ, is a sweet shelter dog found as a stray that got adopted and returned twice. Why did he get returned? Nobody can figure it out, because he is the sweetest most friendly good boy. So, two influencers who go by @eric.and.joey spotted him and decided to change his fate. They are known for taking shelter dogs out of their kennels for the day and giving them some play time with lots of love. It's important for shelter dogs to get this because the kennel can be a sad and scary place sometimes, especially if you've been there for a long time. So, DJ was very excited to get out of there, to say the least. 

In fact, the shelter staff said that DJ was looking extra sad lately and that he truly needed a trip outside of the kennel. So, that's when this influencer stepped in and DJ had the best day ever! They didn't just take him to the park or for a run, like they often do. They took him to a Veterinarian Expo where he got to meet hundreds of dog-loving folks. He got so much attention and absolutely loved it. 

The best part, however, was the interest in adopting him… 

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  • they said he was getting depressed in his kennel... then this happened
    via eric.and.joey
  • eric.and.joey Eric & Joey Today we took Don Jon (aka "DJ") to a conference, and honestly, it was exactly what he needed. Shelter staff told us he'd been feeling down in his kennel, so we gave him a day out. New smells, new people, good food, lots of love... and he absolutely lit up. He met so many people, soaked up all the attention, and even got a few adoption inquiries along the way We were at VMX 2026, and bringing Don Jon with us turned a normal conference day into something really special.
    via eric.and.joey
  • READY TO GO A LOOKING FOR ME? adopted returned adopted again found as stray
    via eric.and.joey
  • We had a special surprise for him! Don Jon OCA
    via eric.and.joey
  • Dog day out!
    via eric.and.joey

  • Usually, hearing about an influencer you think they're trying to sell you something or preach about something they have zero education in. But @eric.and.joey are influencers for a great reason: They help shelter dogs get attention and eventually find a loving home. And that is exactly what happened with DJ!

    It hasn't even been a week since the video was posted, and the TikToker has already commented saying that they got word that DJ was officially adopted! It would seem that his little day out and his viralness helped him get seen by his future hoomans and now they are living happily ever after. Sometimes the internet can be a nice and wholesome place that actually does some good. 

  • VMX 2026 18 PROPLAN VETERINARY SUPPLEMENTS ZOMEDICA
    via eric.and.joey
  • WORLD CLASSIC PLAK PURINA PROPLAN VETERINARY DIETS But... DEXA ftware
    via eric.and.joey
  • he was LOVING the attention
    via eric.and.joey
  • יווי Over 100 ppl... crazy!
    via eric.and.joey
  • DJ is sleeeeepy
    via eric.and.joey
  • ON Just 2 tired boys wanting to nap
    via eric.and.joey
  • time to go back 무. ADOPT TODAY, HEALING TOMOR chev
    via eric.and.joey
  • all fun times eventually come to an end
    via eric.and.joey
  • Eric & Joey • Creator . We just got news that... DJ got adopted!!!!
    via eric.and.joey

  • WATCH:

    via eric.and.joey

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pet ownership dogs rescue dog veterinarian adopted dog doggos happy shelter dogs
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