Isolation can dim even the brightest of spirits. No matter how lively or outgoing a soul may be, being constantly overlooked can slowly wear them down. Sadly, that’s the heart-wrenching story of Rex, a sweet Chihuahua mix who spent nearly three years in a California shelter—waiting, and waiting, for someone to choose him.
After 1,000 days with no luck, Rex stopped doing the one thing that used to bring him joy: greeting people with hope in his eyes. Instead, he curled up in the back of his kennel and shut down.
Rex Had Nearly Given Up On Finding A Home
Rex’s journey began when he was saved from a high-kill shelter by The Vanderpump Dog Foundation in Los Angeles, California. He’d previously been labeled as a troubled dog with behavior issues, which nearly cost him his life. But thanks to Vanderpump Dogs, Rex was spared and given another chance.
“Dogs with behavioral issues are at higher risk of being euthanized in shelters and we got Rex just in time to give him a second chance at finding his forever home,” Vanderpump Dogs wrote on Facebook.
Over time, Rex began healing. With patient trainers and kind staff, he started to come out of his shell, eventually transforming into a lovable pup who enjoyed being around people and other dogs.
He would eagerly sit by his kennel door every day, wagging his tail and hoping this would be the day someone picked him. But day after day, the same disappointment followed—and after a thousand days, even his resilient heart began to fade.
Then came a glimmer of hope.
A Hollywood agent and passionate dog advocate, Nima Nasseri, who runs a TikTok page to spotlight forgotten shelter pups, posted Rex’s story—and it hit like a thunderclap.
“Rex no longer comes over to greet people because nobody ever chooses him. He’s been here for over 1000 days. It’s been so long the hair on his face is starting to turn grey,” the heartbreaking clip explains.
Finally, A Miracle
Nasseri knew the power of social media—but Rex’s response took him by surprise. Within mere days of the video being posted, it had racked up hundreds of thousands of views and reached caring hearts everywhere. Offers to adopt Rex came pouring in.
By the end of the week, Rex was no longer a shelter dog.
“We posted him on Sunday and by Friday he was wrapped up in a blanket on his new couch with his new mama,” Nasseri shared in a joyful update.
The video update shows Rex nestled in a kennel on his journey to his forever home—his sad past now behind him.
From hopeless to homebound, this little guy finally got what he deserved all along: a loving family and a cozy place to call his own.
Rex’s story is proof of how far a little compassion—and the right platform—can go. His new chapter has only just begun, and this brave pup can now enjoy the comfort and love he had almost given up on.
You made it, Rex. You’re home now.