A dog was “starting to lose hope” of ever being adopted after spending 1,500 days at the animal shelter, but then everything changed.
The plight of Lucky the Labrador retriever was first highlighted on social media when the staff at the Ady Gil World Conservation (AGWC) Rockin’ Rescue Animal Adoption Center in California posted a video to the shelter’s TikTok highlighting how he was closing in on 1,500 days there.
“Lucky came to us on June 29, 2021,” Fabienne Origer from AGWC Rockin’ Rescue told Newsweek. “He was originally rescued from a neglect situation, and although we don’t know every detail about his past, it’s clear he didn’t receive much love or structure before arriving here.”
Though Lucky was a favorite among staff, described by Origer as “incredibly intelligent, loyal and eager to please,” a combination of nerves and his personal circumstances had made it difficult for him to drum up much adoption interest.
“Lucky has struggled to get adopted mainly because he needs experienced dog owners and a home without small children,” Origer said. “He takes a bit of time to trust new people, and that initial hesitation can be challenging in a shelter setting where first impressions are everything.”
It was a combination that left Lucky to do little more than sit, wait and hope against all hope, that the next person coming through the door would be the one to adopt him.
A long-term stay in a shelter can have a significant impact on a rescue dog. In 2021, a study published in the journal Animals concluded that, while the physical wellbeing of long-term shelter dogs was not impaired by their stay, they did exhibit stress-related behaviors.
That was certainly the case for Lucky, with the video posted on TikTok warning he was “starting to lose hope” and “becoming depressed.”
Origer was the first to admit Lucky’s extended stay had “definitely taken a toll” on him. “While we do everything we can to give him the best life possible at the rescue, nothing compares to the stability, routine, and love that a forever home can provide,” Origer said. “He deserves that.”
Sadly, not every shelter animal gets what they deserve. That’s a heartbreaking reality witnessed day in, day out at facilities like AGWC Rockin’ Rescue.
Not this time though. After a little over 1,500 days at the shelter, Lucky’s one wish came true: he was adopted. Origer told Newsweek: “His new home is absolutely perfect—he now has a big backyard, a swimming pool, and even another Labrador to play with.”
AGWC Rockin’ Rescue took to Instagram to share footage of Lucky enjoying his new surroundings. He’s taken to life in a home with a pool like a duck to water. What’s most important of all, however, is the fact he’s found a loving new family.
“His adopters are kind, patient people who instantly fell in love with him,” Origer said. “Seeing Lucky so happy and at ease, it truly felt like the long wait was worth it.”
After such a long struggle and so many difficulties, seeing Lucky happy in a new home has been a source of considerable joy to Origer and everyone at AGWC Rockin’ Rescue
“Lucky’s adoption was incredibly emotional for us,” Origer said. “He had been with us for such a long time, and watching him finally leave with such a wonderful family felt like a dream come true.”
It’s a development that has left Origer moved to tears, knowing all of the work put in to supporting Lucky through this difficult time has resulted in the happiest of endings.
“You always hope every dog will eventually get their chance at happiness,” Origer said. “I hope people take away from Lucky’s story that even if it takes years, there is always hope—and the perfect home is out there for every rescue animal.”
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