Dog Waits 1,461 Days in Shelter Before Rescue Offers Him a Second Chance

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After 4 Years in a Shelter, Cody Finally Gets His Second Chance

For four long years, a dog named Cody has been waiting for someone to notice him. The 7-year-old black mouth cur mix spent 1,461 days behind shelter walls, overlooked time and again by potential adopters. Despite his endless wait, Cody never gave up hope.

Thanks to Lakeshore PAWS, a nonprofit animal rescue based in Valparaiso, Indiana, Cody’s story is finally changing. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the rescue shared his journey: “For four long years, Cody waited behind shelter walls—overlooked, passed by, and forgotten. But he never gave up hope. And now, at 7 years old, this sweet black mouth cur is finally getting a second chance at our rescue.”

Transferred from another shelter where he had spent most of his life, Cody weighs around 80 pounds and carries the quiet dignity of a dog who has endured far too much waiting. Staff describe him as well-mannered, affectionate, and deeply kind to those who take the time to know him.

Cody’s gentle nature shines when he interacts with people and other animals. He enjoys the company of other dogs, thrives on human companionship, and has shown patience and friendliness with strangers and children at public events. Lakeshore PAWS noted that he could live happily with another dog, provided the match is right. He is healthy, neutered, and ready to meet the family that will finally offer him the forever home he deserves.

Cody’s long stay reflects a larger issue facing shelters across the country. While more than 2.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in the first half of 2025, adoption rates have struggled to keep up. Shelters are stretched thin, with 175,000 more animals arriving than leaving. Larger and older dogs like Cody are at the greatest disadvantage, with national data showing that adoptions of big dogs dropped by 9 percent this year compared to last, and senior dog adoptions slipped by 2 percent.

The average dog now spends 47 days in a shelter before adoption, but dogs like Cody often wait much longer. His story underscores the challenges shelters face in finding homes for older, larger pets, even when those animals have hearts full of love to give.

A young and sweet pit bull was found behind a warehouse in south Memphis with hundreds of bite marks and other severe injuries. Liam, as the rescuers named him, had been used as bait for dog fighting and his abusers are still at large.

Though Cody’s wait has been painfully long, his rescue is a symbol of resilience and hope. Lakeshore PAWS is urging families to consider adopting dogs like him—loyal companions who may be overlooked due to age or size, yet are ready to bring joy and love into a new home. Cody’s journey shows that every dog, no matter how long they’ve been waiting, deserves a chance to be loved.

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