Summary
A dog named Cody, who lived in a shelter for four years, was recently given a new chance to find a home through Lakeshore PAWS, an animal rescue organization in Indiana. His story highlights challenges in animal adoption, especially for older and larger dogs as shelters in the U.S. are experiencing overcrowding and decreased adoption rates.
Key Facts
- Cody is a 7-year-old black mouth cur mix who spent four years in a shelter.
- Lakeshore PAWS, based in Valparaiso, Indiana, is helping Cody find a home.
- Cody is described as well-mannered, affectionate, and good with children and other dogs.
- The organization has shared his story on social media to encourage his adoption.
- U.S. shelters face overcrowding with over 2.8 million animals entering shelters in the first half of 2025.
- Adoptions of large dogs decreased by 9% in 2025, making it harder for them to find homes.
- The median stay for dogs in shelters is 47 days, longer for larger or older dogs.
- Lakeshore PAWS aims to inspire more adoptions by promoting dogs like Cody.
