Year End Rescue

On Dec. 29, our Humane Law Enforcement team responded to a call that no animal welfare organization ever wants to receive. Following a welfare check by the La Mesa Police Department, our Humane Officers arrived on-scene to discover 40 dogs and puppies inside a 500-square-foot apartment. They were living in severely unsanitary conditions, with floors covered in feces. The tenant hadn’t been seen for days, and the animals were in desperate need of help.

And when animals need us, we act immediately.

After ensuring the dogs had access to food and water, our Humane Law Enforcement and medical teams triaged the animals and began transporting them to our San Diego Campus.

Since then, we have been providing the dogs with necessary medical treatment, behavioral support and the dedicated attention they need to heal. They had skin, dental and eye conditions that required treatment. Their nails were overgrown, many of them were so fearful they were trembling. Caring for these animals takes a village, especially when they’re coming into a crowded shelter environment.

It takes a team of Humane Law Enforcement to rescue them. Dedicated Admissions staff to welcome them into our care. An Animal Care team to keep them nourished, warm and clean. A medical team to examine them, treat them and help them heal. Behavior and training experts to determine whether they’ll need individual intervention. Foster volunteers to help them decompress and build confidence outside the shelter. And a whole community of supporters — like you — who make this level of care possible.

With your help, we’re giving each of these dogs a fresh start in 2026 — filled with safety, warmth, love and the chance to become part of a family. Here are just a few of the things we’ve been able to accomplish for these deserving animals:

Two dogs suffering from severe eye ulcers that cloud their vision — Clarke and Thoureau — are on the road to recovery thanks to our medical team. Using a special black light, we closely evaluated their eyes and applied a special topical solution. We’ve continued to monitor their process to help them on their healing journey.

Three tiny puppies who were initially placed in a foster home for around-the-clock care were able to be reunited with their mother. After thorough examinations of all 40 dogs, we were able to identify the mom, and she joined them in the foster home. Not only was she able to nurse the pups as they continued to grow, but she also received the TLC and attention she deserves as she recovers.

Now, brighter days are ahead for these deserving pups! With their spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations completed, it’s time for them to take the next step towards healing and find new families. After seven weeks in our care, many of the dogs are ready for adoption and a new chapter.

It’s thanks to our incredible community of animal lovers like you that these dogs got the second chance they deserved. We’re only able to rescue animals from emergency situations, and care for them as long as necessary, because of the supporters who make this lifesaving work possible.

Thank you for standing with us and making this lifesaving work possible — for these dogs and every animal who needs us. Together, we’re creating a more humane San Diego!