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From Deadline to Freedom – Rescue Stories
Leaving the shelter is only the beginning. Once a dog is saved, they may still need safe transport, urgent veterinary care, training, foster placement, and time to decompress before they can begin their next chapter.
In August 2026, Hope Paws Support Fund awarded grants to help make that transition possible for Dolly, Toby, Frank, Mattew and Clancey.
Because of your donations, these dogs received critical support on their path from shelter deadline to safety, recovery, and a loving future.
Dolly
Rescued by Friends of Anubis Rescue on 08/26/2026
She was returned to OC Animal Care after an adoption placement due to resource-guarding and protective behavior toward another dog. 💔
She needed an experienced rescue that could safely assess her behavior and provide the right environment and support.
Thankfully, Dolly has now been rescued and has a second chance. ❤️🐾
Toby
Rescued by Friends of Anubis Rescue on 08/26/2026
Grant: $500 for pull support.
Toby was found roaming off-leash in Tustin and was brought to OC Animal Care with no microchip. 💔At the shelter, he showed fear and sensitivity to handling, along with intense arousal, jumping, mouthing, and snapping when overwhelmed.
Because he struggled to self-regulate and handling could become unsafe, the shelter recommended rescue placement—and Toby was rescued and given a second chance. ❤️🐾
Frank
Frank was found as a stray and arrived at the shelter in poor condition, with fly strike on his ears and a large mass near his anal area that may be a perianal hernia or cancer. 💔
Although the finder said he was friendly, groomed him, and that he got along with their two dogs, Frank became resistant to handling at the shelter and growled and attempted to bite when restrained. He needed rescue medical care and a behavior evaluation outside the shelter—and thankfully, Frank was rescued and given a second chance. ❤️🐾
Matthew
Rescued by Friends of Anubis Rescue on 09/03/2026
Matthew was impounded after his owner was arrested, and this was his fourth impound; he also had two documented bite incidents. 💔
At the shelter, Matthew bonded with select handlers but remained highly reactive toward unfamiliar people, with growling, lunging, and biting behaviors.
Because of his history and difficulty adapting to new handlers and environments, the shelter recommended rescue placement—and Matthew was rescued and given a second chance. ❤️🐾
Clancey
Rescued by Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue on 09/02/2026
Grant: $500 for pull support.
Clancey was found as a stray in late July, reportedly covered in ants behind a dumpster, and arrived at the shelter severely underweight, weak, and in poor condition. 💔
He had arthritis, muscle wasting, dental disease, flea and fly-strike problems, and continued to lose weight despite treatment, raising concerns about a more serious underlying condition.
Despite everything, Clancey remained a quiet, calm, independent boy who enjoyed walks—and thankfully, he was rescued and given a second chance. ❤️🐾
Recap of All Donations
Here is a full recap of the grants that contributed:
| Date | Dog | Recipient | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 11, 2026 | Clancey | Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue | $500 | Rescue |
| August 26, 2026 | Toby | Friends of Anubis | $500 | Rescue |
| August 22, 2026 | Hopper | Friends of Anubis | $500 | Rescue |
| August 22, 2026 | Burlington | Woof Tribe Rescue | $500 | Rescue |
| August 17, 2026 | Perry | Friends of Anubis | $300 | Rescue |
| August 16, 2026 | Kaiba | Trina’s Friends K9 Rescue | $500 | Rescue |
| August 14, 2026 | Polly | Golden Years Dog Sanctuary | $500 | Rescue |
| August 3, 2026 | Silver | Rides for Paws | $200 | Rescue |
| July 23, 2026 | Strut | Pugs and Kisses Rescue | $560 | Emergency |
| July 19, 2026 | Lovin | Mongrel Mafia Dog Rescue | $185 | Transport |
| July 19, 2026 | Funshine Bear | Rosies Rainbow Senior Dog Sanctuary | $500 | Transport |
| July 17, 2026 | Alex | Trina’s Friends K9 Rescue | $130 | Rescue |
| June 27, 2026 | Drakeo | SoCal White Shepherd Rescue Foundation | $230 | Rescue |
| June 25, 2026 | Kona | Coastal German Shepherd Rescue | $520 | Rescue |
| June 21, 2026 | Ryder | Trina’s Friends K9 Rescue | $240 | Rescue |
| May 30, 2026 | Stewie | My Forever Dog Rescue | $500 | Rescue |
| May 30, 2026 | Suds | My Forever Dog Rescue | $500 | Rescue |
| May 15, 2026 | Baby Boy | Legacy of Love 805 | $50 | Rescue |
Why This Matters
Every rescue story we share is made possible by your support. When you donate, share, or fundraise, you are part of this mission.
We are 100% volunteer-led. Every dollar goes directly to dogs.
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