How The Rescue Effect Helped Shelter Dog Brixton Find a Home

Brixton, a 2-year-old Plott Hound-mix, was among the first animals adopted in July when Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter in Gray, Louisiana, joined The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA’s national campaign dedicated to helping animals find loving homes.

“Brixton came to us for help twice in his young life,” says Valerie R., animal shelter manager for Terrebonne Parish. “First, in October 2024, as part of an unwanted litter, and again after his adopters relinquished him in May 2026 due to changes in their living situation. Our goal was to ensure Brixton got the best chance at happily ever after.”

As days turned into weeks, Brixton became a shelter “long-timer,” a title reserved for “great animals who get overlooked,” Valerie says. He was also heartworm positive. To help him find a home, staff promoted him on social media with a $5 adoption fee and free supplies, including a crate and a large bag of dog food, funded by an ASPCA Rescue Effect grant. The shelter also offered to cover the cost of Brixton’s ongoing heartworm treatment.

That post caught the attention of Derek T.

“My dog of six years, Bean, had passed away, so my interest in Brixton began as an emotional journey,” says Derek. “Even though I wasn’t planning to adopt another dog for a while, I noticed his gentle face and demeanor.”

The next day, July 2, Derek, his girlfriend Kailee and their dog, Mira — previously adopted from the same shelter — visited Brixton. The meet-and-greet went well, and they adopted him.

“We wanted to provide him with a good home and life, and not let his illness define his worth,” Derek said.

Shelter staff celebrated Brixton’s adoption.

“We are so grateful for the ASPCA’s generosity,” says Valerie. “During The Rescue Effect, animals like Brixton benefit in a big way. The campaign not only positively impacts shelter animals, but it helps those of us who work tirelessly behind the scenes by providing us with tools to help animals find homes.”

Valerie, who has worked at Terrebonne Parish Animal Services for nearly 25 years, says adoption incentives often make a difference. The shelter, located about an hour southeast of New Orleans, typically has around 50 dogs and 230 cats available for adoption.

“Here in bayou country, there are a lot of animal-loving individuals,” she adds. “Since initiating our adoption incentives supported by The Rescue Effect, we’ve successfully placed multiple ‘long-timer’ dogs.”

Today, Brixton, now called Lox, is thriving.

“He took an immediate interest in Mira, is housetrained and knows words like kennel, bed, outside, treat, sit and others,” Derek says. “He also hugs like a person, putting his paws on your shoulder and pushing his head into you. He’s done exceptionally well with our small child, as he is very, very gentle.”

Lox is responding well to heartworm treatment, and Derek says the family couldn’t be happier.

“We are exceptionally blessed to have him in our home,” he adds. “And we appreciate the help from both the ASPCA and the shelter for giving him another chance.”

As part of The Rescue Effect campaign this year, the ASPCA is providing $2 million in grant funding to help 200 participating shelters across the country waive adoption fees and support their operating costs. To learn more about The Rescue Effect or find a participating shelter or rescue in your area, visit The Rescue Effect online.