From Deadline to Freedom – Rescue Stories

Rescue stories like these happen because people refuse to look away. Each dog featured here was at risk – and each one got a second chance thanks to rescues, networkers, and supporters who stepped up.

This is a growing collection of dogs we helped promote, network, and celebrate.

Strut

Strut has been rescued by Pugs and Kisses Animal Rescue and Sanctuary on 07/09/2026

Imagine living with a broken arm and being in so much pain that every time your splint needs to be changed, you have to be sedated.

That was Strut’s reality.

Day after day, he endured excruciating pain from multiple fractures, infected wounds, swelling, bruising, and countless bandage changes. His medical notes described him crying and yelping in pain. Yet despite everything he has been through, he still wagged his tail, greeted every clinic staff member with kindness, and leaned in for pets.

He had every reason to give up, but he didn’t.

Strut is a 4-year-old German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix, weighing 57 lbs. He arrived at the shelter on June 20, 2026 (Animal ID #A1966354, Jurisdiction: Santa Ana). He has a devastating leg injury – multiple fractures, infected wounds, and constant pain. Even changing a bandage required sedation.

But on July 9, 2026, Pugs and Kisses Animal Rescue and Sanctuary stepped up and rescued him. ❤️

Now comes the next critical step: surgery.

How You Can Help

Strut’s orthopedic surgery is expected to cost $4,000–$5,000. We are raising funds to help cover these medical expenses so the rescue can focus on what matters most – getting Strut the care he desperately needs.

Every donation goes toward:
🐾 Orthopedic surgery
🐾 Hospitalization and post-operative care
🐾 Medications and pain management
🐾 Rehabilitation and recovery

No gift is too small. Every dollar helps relieve Strut’s pain and brings him one step closer to walking comfortably again.

Ellen

Sweet Ellen has been rescued by Ash Tree Ranch Rescue on 07/09/2026

From past her euthanasia deadline… to a second chance. 🥹🙏🏼

The senior girl so many overlooked now has hope, safety, and a future. Thank you to everyone who believed she deserved more, just like us networkers. 🫂

Happy freedom, sweet Ellen. ⛓️‍💥🤎

If you pledged, please honor your pledge for her care using one of the methods below:

🤎 Venmo & PayPal: @ashtreeranchrescue
🤎 Zelle: ashtreeranch@gmail.com
🤎 Cash App: $AshTreeRanchRescue

Ellen’s Story

Ellen is a 10-year-old spayed female Rottweiler, weighing 59.60 lbs. She is black and tan, with the gentlest soul. She is the gentlest soul. All she wants is a soft place to rest and someone to love her.

She isn’t feeling well, which is why she was placed on the euthanasia list. But our hearts break at the thought of her leaving this world without ever knowing the comfort of a real home.

Her body tells a story of neglect, yet she continues to be incredibly sweet despite everything she has been through.

Ellen first arrived at OC Animal Care in May. She was adopted in June, but sadly returned shortly afterward because she had a high prey drive toward the adopter’s cat. She needs a home without cats where she can finally feel safe.

Benjamin

Benjamin has been rescued by Rides 4 Paws Transport & Rescue on 07/10/2026

At 10 years old, he was returned to the shelter by a recent adopter after killing a chicken. With health issues on top of that, Benjamin’s future was bleak.

“Was” being the key word.

My darling new friend and shelter volunteer, Alyssa, gave this boy his freedom ride after we tagged him out. He will know nothing but love and soft beds and the best medical care available from now on.

Benjamin’s Details

Benjamin is a 10-year-old neutered male Siberian Husky, gray and white, weighing 45 lbs. He arrived at OC Animal Care on June 23, 2026 (Animal ID #A1954474, Kennel 214, Jurisdiction: Orange).

He was adopted and returned when he showed a high prey drive toward cats and chickens. He reportedly did well with a large Labrador but also resource guarded his food.

Since returning to the shelter, Benjamin has become emaciated, lethargic, and suffers from arthritis, dental disease, and significant weight loss despite having a ravenous appetite. OC Animal Care was concerned he may have an underlying malabsorptive disorder and recommended urgent veterinary diagnostics and ongoing medical care.

Benjamin deserved a soft bed, proper medical treatment, and a loving home where he could spend his senior years in comfort. Thanks to Rides 4 Paws Transport Rescue, he now has exactly that.

Drakeo

Drakeo has been rescued by SoCal White Shepherd Rescue Foundation on 06/24/2026

I know every dog’s life matters, but Drakeo’s story truly broke my heart. He was raised by a teenager who loved him deeply and did everything he could to care for him. But he was still a minor, and Drakeo shouldn’t have been his responsibility. It was an unfair situation for both of them. When his mother decided to surrender him, he had no say in the decision.

Drakeo’s Details

Drakeo is a 1.5-year-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, weighing 50 lbs. He is brown and black. He arrived at the shelter (Pet ID #A1964601) on June 24, 2026.

He was raised on a raw diet and had a history of resource guarding, but those behaviors were never properly addressed. Despite that, he lived with a Chihuahua he considered his best friend and was described as gentle with visitors and other animals.

But the shelter environment brought out his worst behaviors. He became more overwhelmed, more fearful, and harder to assess safely. A kennel is not the place to determine the future of a young Belgian Malinois. These intelligent, high-drive dogs need experienced handling, training, and an opportunity to decompress.

Even with his behavioral concerns, there were moments that reminded us there was still a dog behind the fear. On June 15, Drakeo wagged his tail and allowed staff to scan him for a microchip without issue. Moments later, however, he lunged unexpectedly – showing just how conflicted, stressed, and unstable he had become in that environment.

Drakeo was not a safe candidate for an inexperienced home. He needed a rescue, trainer, or experienced foster willing to give him the structure and behavioral support he never received.

Thankfully, SoCal White Shepherd Rescue Foundation stepped up and gave him the second chance he deserved.

Kona

Kona has been rescued by Coastal German Shepherd Rescue on 06/19/2026

This sweet senior was found wandering a shopping center parking lot back in January. No one ever came for him. For months, he waited. And on June 20, he was scheduled to be euthanized – with no extensions.

But Kona never gave up hope. And neither did we.

Kona’s Story

Kona is a 10-year-old German Shepherd at OC Animal Care in Tustin. Despite everything, Kona remains a gentle, loving dog. He is easy to leash and walk, appears potty trained, knows basic commands, loves toys and tennis balls, and will happily follow you around hoping for a treat. Volunteers describe him as a favorite and were heartbroken that he might not make it out alive.

Kona has medical issues that need follow-up care, including chronic hip problems and a severe lick granuloma on his paw. Because of these medical needs, he urgently needed a rescue, adopter, or committed foster.