With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert coming to a close this month, we’re reflecting on one of its most joyful legacies: Rescue Dog Rescue. For ten incredible years, this segment brought laughter, heart, and—most importantly—life-changing visibility for rescue animals in need of homes.
When the Late Show team reached out about creating a wrap-up video featuring some of the dogs who had appeared on Rescue Dog Rescue over the years, most originally featured as just puppies, we were so excited to be part of this “Where Arf They Now?” tribute to bid farewell to this popular segment.
From puppies making their television debut to the now-grown dogs living happily with their families, Rescue Dog Rescue has been a celebration of second chances. These segments didn’t just entertain—they helped countless animals find loving homes and inspired audiences everywhere to consider adoption.
We are deeply grateful to the many celebrities who so generously shared their time to make these segments unforgettable. Endless appreciation goes to our dedicated Animal League America staff and volunteers who helped ensure everything went smoothly. And to the adopters who opened their hearts to give each animal a loving home, we wish you all many years of unconditional love.
Most of all, we want to thank Stephen Colbert and the entire Late Show team. Their commitment to using their platform for good created something truly special. Through humor, compassion, and a whole lot of adorable chaos, they helped shine a national spotlight on the importance of animal rescue and the mission we care so deeply about.
To say we’ll miss Rescue Dog Rescue is an understatement. Its impact will be felt far beyond the stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater.
Here’s to a decade of laughter, love, and lives changed—for both the animals and the families who found each other.