Friendly dog Dex has spent 587 days waiting for a home at Tartu shelter

A three-year-old mixed-breed dog named Dex has been living at the Tartu homeless animals shelter for 587 days — roughly 11 dog years. Despite the long wait, shelter staff say Dex remains friendly and trusting toward people.

A three-year-old mixed-breed dog named Dex has now spent 587 days — the equivalent of approximately 11 dog years — at the Tartu homeless animals shelter, still waiting for a permanent home.

Shelter staff describe Dex as an exceptionally friendly dog who, despite the extraordinarily long stay, has not lost his trust in people. His gentle temperament makes the length of his wait all the more surprising to those who care for him.

Dex's story highlights the ongoing challenge faced by animal shelters across Estonia, where some dogs wait months or even years before finding a family willing to adopt them.