BADRAP

… and into purpose.

Funny thing, as his emotional wounds healed, so did ours. Ppl thought we were gonna keep him, but there a nagging feeling that he belonged somewhere else.

When his new family surfaced, everything just clicked into place.

Thank you, Dasher. And thank you Elliott. #loveheals

So Dasher arrived, full of warmth and worry. We got right to work with all the things foster homes do to smooth new dogs back to joy. Play & more play, routine & hugs.

He looked so much like Elliot, we could sorta imagine he was still here. A game that tricked our brains out of intense grief…

2mos ago, our heart dog Elliot left us. We were shattered. He was our sanctuary and our bliss for 15.5yrs.

Shortly after, this skeleton of a dog showed up in my feed. Elliot had been a cruelty victim and maybe that’s why he loved the underdogs. I felt him nudge me, “Guys. Help him.” 1/3

Update: Chico found his true love (Adopted) 🎉

He nearly wiggled out of his skin when he saw us again. But this time, he seemed esp excited as if to say, “Hey! I have a human! I have a human! And she holds me and loves me tells me I’m perfect!”

“We know Chico. We know! ❤️ Thank you for hanging in there w/ the long wait, buddy. You did SO good.”

A trade secret: We can’t let ourselves get too bonded w/ our fosters, even when some are hungry for MORE.

That ‘professional distance’ is necessary but can be so hard! Chico was one dog who wanted a deeper connection with us. Ugh.

On Sat he came to class with his brand new person (photo) 1/2

She made it! Big exhale with a deep bow to her owner who asked for help and then found an early morning ride alllll the way to Napa to meet her appt. Contemporary animal care challenges are no joke!

HUGE thanks to all the vets who responded to the bat signal and juggled their calendar to fit her in soonest. And to the vet who said 'Yes! Tomorrow!' - You're a modern day hero. All fingers crossed for no overnight surprises. #sodamnclose #stressful #wishherluck

Big adrenalin crash after a frantic search for an affordable* ER spay for this much loved girl. An unplanned pregnancy while she was with her owner’s petsitter (!!) And surprise. Not only did she hide it, exam shows she's days away from giving birth. WUT?Dozens of phone calls & text messages… 1/2

Hm. This reads a bit like an anti-homeless piece. You might want to contact Lori of Downtown Dog Rescue in LA for her take. Of course life on the streets can be brutal but in general, the homeless tend to be VERY willing to accept help for their dogs. No doubt there are exceptions, as everywhere.

What’s not to love? 🙂

Crazy Truth: Some of the very best dogs we see in our program wait the longest for homes. Not sure why! And they only get ‘better’ while they’re here.

Chico. What you see here is what you get. Rescued July 2 (!!!) and just the bestest Good Boy. ❤️

Zora’s looking for a fellow Ham Baddie because clearly, nothing but dum haters here. #adoptme #playball

ICE raids are leaving some L.A. cats and dogs homeless Chuco, a pit bull, was dropped at a shelter after his owner was deported last month. Many other dogs and cats in L.A. are facing similar circumstances as their caretakers vanish or flee.

A cluster of crisis & cruelty. This is infuriating, but we’re glad it’s getting coverage.

"Unless people do take the initiative [and get the pets out], those animals will starve to death in those backyards or those homes," said Yvette Berke, outreach manager for Cats at the Studios.

#justgothome When the ink’s still wet on the adoption contract and new family zaps fresh pix of their new love sprawled out blissing with toys, big smile and flashy bandana … It’s a next level happy dance for all of us. #instantYES 🎉 Congrats to Maggie!

That tongue, tho. Happy Tuesday.

CA is strong and fire-disaster response experience has made us smarter and tougher. We will survive these times if we embrace community as we've already learned how to do.

We encourage you to reach out to your neighbors to help them game plan for worse case scenarios. Help them know that you'll be there for their families and their pets. People who are peacefully protesting need protections too, including pet care if they're detained. Reach out. Be their comfort.

... allowed us to evolve our field beyond the horrible, inhumane policies & practices from yesteryear. Using fear to control will always be wrong.

Now we're getting reports of shelters recv'ing animals who are left w/o care after Ice raids, and when targeted families lose their main bread winners.

Regardless of someone's technical legal status, ppl deserve to be treated with dignity as human beings, with due process in all* situations. In animal welfare, we preach humane care/treatment as core values in our approach to all challenges, even the most difficult challenges. That credo has ...

🔥 We've been heartbroken to witness the injustice taking place in the US towards immigrant communities, especially here in CA. La Raza has contributed so much to supporting and building up our org that we literally wouldn't be who we are without them. They are us, We are them.

This kid. After a not-great start in life, it’s slowly sinking in that he’s at home. #exhale

Gentleman Owen - BADRAP Those big warm eyes say everything about Owen's personality. He's a gentle soul who wants to please. Dog friendly, calm and dignified. This guy is a prize.

In case you’re ‘the one’ … this boy is a prize.

Nat’l Rescue Dog Day. You know what to do … Show us who owns your ❤️. Owen doesn’t have a family who can brag about him yet, but he gets a post regardless. Next year, Owen! #adoptionrocks

Dog snores are bliss. Shrub is practicing for the day she gets to snore sweet nothings to her future adopter. #luckyyou

Mike Vick's pit bulls up for adoption Five dogs that were rescued from the most notorious dog-fighting kennel in the country...

Norm, can I add a small but significant victory? When much of the country was ready to condemn & stereotype Michael Vick’s fight survivors, Oakland said ‘Welcome.’ They got the red carpet here, inc many helpers & homes. We’ll always be deeply grateful.

www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...

Amazed by the light & the sky today after a sweet dose of rain. Oakland skies are Magic.

Shrub & Tyson 🤭 Two dorkalicious smiles for your Tuesday. Who’s gonna adopt these cuties? Wish we had a crystal ball some days.

We’d love that!

Poco un poco!