After 729 days in the shelter, the dog has finally been adopted. 

Every dog deserves a loving and safe home. And for Drools, a pit-bull mix in Southern Colorado, the search for the perfect home took a very long time. 

Drools was a resident of the Upper Rio Grande Animal Society Contour Animal Shelter in Monte Vista, Colorado. Drools, 4, a pit-bull/boxer mix, was one of those dogs that spent more than half of his life living in the shelter. Drools ended up at the shelter almost two years ago, and for a variety of reasons, never got adopted. 

Courtesy of Relay For Rescue (Facebook)

Because he had been in the shelter for so long, his chances of getting adopted seemed slim. That's when animal nonprofit Relay For Rescue employee Kacey Widetich decided to try something a little different. 

Widetich packed a bag and moved in with Drools, at the animal shelter. She thought if she could bring a little attention to the predicament the sweet pooch was in, maybe his forever family might find him? She was not just there to help Drools find a home; the shelter has two other long-term residents that need to find that perfect fit. With help from Widetich and social media, the story made local and national news. 

Sharing Drools's story through pictures and Facebook posts was a great success, and after 12 days of staying with the dogs, Widetich knew her efforts had worked. Drools finally got a happy ending to his story when a man from Boulder saw his story and fell in love. On November 4, after 729 days in the shelter, Drools was adopted by his new person, and the two drove off for a happy life together. Drools is now going by the name Monte, and his new owner says he feels like he just won the lottery after finding the lovable dog. 

Check out some video shared by Relay For Rescue of Monte in his new digs:

There are so many lovable and wonderful dogs and cats living in shelters. Some, like Monte, spend years just hoping someone will give them a chance. If you want to help more dogs like Monte, check out Upper Rio Grande Animal Society Contour Animal Shelter and the Relay For Rescue nonprofit to see how you can get involved. 

We are so fortunate to share this happy story and give a huge thanks and credit to all the people who do this good work to connect animals in need with loving pet parents. What other organizations in Colorado or nationwide help long-term shelter residents? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.