L.A. Dog Rescue Wags & Walks, a 5-year-old bully mix at Wags & Walks in Los Angeles, was adopted after waiting 798 days for a home. This lengthy stay not only made her the rescue’s longest resident, but it also highlights a growing concern, as shelters report longer wait times post-pandemic.

The long stay made her the rescue’s longest resident and a focus of the shelter’s efforts to find a patient match. Her new owner, Crystal, said the timing felt right after she lost her previous dog in September and began looking again at rescue profiles. “It feels like she was always meant to be part of the family,” Crystal said.

Cali spent over 798 days (more than two years) at Wags & Walks prior to adoption. While in care, she gave birth to 11 puppies, a detail the shelter noted as part of her history. Staff described her as slow to warm to strangers; in the organization’s words, “Cali struggled to feel comfortable around new people. This made finding a home for her a little more difficult.” Factors like overpopulation and capacity crises have hindered the search for long-term residents like Cali, limiting their chances for adoption amidst stagnant rates.

Crystal said she first began “looking tentatively at some rescue and shelter sites” as she considered whether she was ready to adopt again. In preparation, she ensured her home was ready with essentials like a cozy bed and safe toys. “Something about her sweet eyes just kept calling me back, so I submitted an application,” she said. When they met, she added, “The phone call and the first meeting were just so perfect and everything about her just seemed like she should come home with me.” Establishing a consistent routine for feeding, walks, and potty breaks has also been essential during this transition.

Wags & Walks credited community support for giving dogs like Cali time to find the right match. “But we never gave up hope that there was a family out there looking for her,” the organization said. Staff members who worked with her noted that once she settled, she showed a playful side; Crystal described her as “so happy and wiggly and precious” during their first meeting.

Adopters and shelters often prepare for longer transitions when a dog has spent extended time in care. Organizations such as the ASPCA offer guidance on shelter operations and long-term residents. Potential pet adopters can best prepare for adopting a rescue dog by ensuring their new pet feels secure in their new environment.

Crystal said the adjustment has gone well so far. “It’s been great seeing her settle into the house and explore on our walks and at the park,” she said, describing quiet outings and slow introductions as the dog grows comfortable in her new routine. The thoughtful approach to adoption helps foster a lasting bond between the dog and its new forever home.

Wags & Walks facilitated the adoption and continues to highlight long-term residents in hopes of matching dogs with families who can provide time and patience. The organization pointed to community support as essential to placing animals who take longer to acclimate to new people.

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