Even the brightest spirits can dim when they’re left alone for too long. Being passed over again and again has a way of wearing down even the strongest heart. That was the quiet hardship Rex, a gentle Chihuahua mix, lived through during nearly three years in a California shelter.
After more than 1,000 days without a place to call home, Rex stopped doing the thing that once filled him with happiness: greeting visitors with hopeful, eager eyes. Instead, he withdrew to the back of his kennel, slowly closing himself off from the world around him.
A Second Chance Comes Just In Time
Rex’s journey began when he was rescued from a high-risk shelter by The Vanderpump Dog Foundation in Los Angeles, California. Previously labeled as a dog with behavioral challenges, Rex had been at risk of euthanasia. But thanks to the foundation, he was given a second 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.
With time, patience, and care from trainers and staff, Rex began to heal. He transformed into a friendly, affectionate dog who enjoyed the company of people and other pups.
Each day, he sat by his kennel door, tail wagging, hoping someone would choose him. But the days turned into years, and eventually, his spirit began to fade.
Then, a spark of hope arrived.
Nima Nasseri, a Hollywood agent and passionate advocate for shelter dogs, shared Rex’s story on his TikTok page, which highlights overlooked pups.
“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.
Rex has been here for three long years 😔 It was heartbreaking to see him..his spirit seems worn down, as if he’s given up hope of ever having a loving home. Hes been described as unpredictable but when I reached out for the first time, he gently smelled my hand. One of the volunteers mentioned that his face is starting to turn grey; he might be around 8 or 9 years old now. All he really needs is a patient, understanding owner who can offer him a stable, loving home for his remaining years. Love and patience is all this dog needs. UPDATE: Just posted an update video on Rex!! do-glover #rescuedog #animallover #shelterdog
Social Media Delivers A Miracle
Nasseri knew the power of social media, but the response to Rex’s story exceeded all expectations. Within days, the video had reached hundreds of thousands of viewers, and adoption offers began pouring in.
By the end of the week, Rex’s life had completely changed.
“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.
THANK YOU EVERYBODY !! Every comment, every share, every repost literally SAVED Rex!! He had been at the rescue for almost 3 years !! Not one single application! We posted him on Sunday and by Friday he was wrapped up in a blanket on his new couch with his new mama !! Thank you @The_Mouse2021 for saving Rex!! Thank you @Vanderpump Dogs for being a wonderful rescue that pulls dogs like Rex out of the shelter and never gives up on them!! Thank you Shannon you saved him! Thank you to Chad Paola Hannah Pandora and all the amazing people at Vanderpump who sacrifice so much to help dogs like Rex (and Sugar!) every day. Thank you to everybody who commented and liked and shared Rex’s post.. its the ONLY way that Rex and his mama were able to meet and fulfill their inevitable fate. There is SO much love radiating in the world for Rex and it literally saved his life ❤️😁 #rescuedog #doglover #animallover #blessings
The follow-up video showed Rex nestled in a kennel, en route to his forever home. His long wait was finally over.
From despair to comfort, Rex’s journey proves how compassion and the right platform can transform a life. His new chapter is just beginning, filled with love, warmth, and the family he always deserved.
Welcome home, Rex.
