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.

Now safe in our care, many of these dogs have medical and behavioral needs that will take time and resources to address. They have skin, dental and eye conditions that require treatment. Their nails are overgrown, and they are so fearful they’re 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. 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 will continue monitoring 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 will she be able to nurse the pups as they continue to grow, but she’ll also receive the TLC and attention she deserves as she recovers.

We began the process of spaying and neutering all 40 dogs, which is an important step in ensuring they are healthy and able to be placed in new homes. These surgeries help avoid a variety of medical and behavioral issues, in addition to preventing unplanned litters.

As these dogs settle into their new environments, we are committed to doing everything we can to help them thrive. With gentle caregivers, expert behavioral support and loving foster homes, brighter days are ahead for these deserving pups.

We’re only able to be a safety net for vulnerable animals with the support of our community. Thank you for standing with us and making this lifesaving work possible — for these 40 dogs and every animal who needs us!

Thank you for being part of a community that makes second chances like this possible. Together, we are creating a more humane San Diego.