A long-term shelter resident in Austin, Texas, has found himself in the limelight after being cast in a community theater production of Legally Blonde while he searches for his forever home.

Tajin's journey to stardom began on August 12, 2021, when he was rescued by animal protection officers. Found with another dog, both tied up in a yard without food or water, Tajin was brought to the Austin Animal Center where he had been waiting for his forever home.

During his time at the shelter, Tajin's personality shone through and made him a favorite with staff and volunteers. He has spent some time in homes, first being fostered by a group of University of Texas students and now at 8 years old, living with foster carer Erin Pettus.

While still searching for his perfect home, Tajin has found himself enjoying the limelight too. "Zilker Theater Productions has been incredibly generous to reach out to Austin Animal Center to use adoptable dogs in their live show," says Pettus, Tajin's current foster, told Newsweek. "They have been so supportive and willing to work not only with Tajin when he's on stage, but also helping to promote quite a few of our other long-stay dogs before the show and at intermission."

Tajin's stage debut hasn't just been an adorable sight; it has also helped raise awareness of rescue dogs in the local area. "It's been wonderful not only for the promotion that Tajin gets, but with the community connections we have made. ZTP has opened up a new audience to fostering and adopting from their local shelter. Plus, the dogs are so cute on stage," Pettus said.

In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared to the same time the year before.

Tajin's stage presence in Legally Blonde is the perfect example of his outgoing and friendly nature. Described as an extrovert who is quick to become your best friend—especially if you're offering pets or snacks—he is still searching for the perfect home. The shelter said he would prefer to be the only pet, but could potentially live with a well-matched friend.

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