With the number of abandoned pets rising each year, shelters across the country are overwhelmed, and many animals face heartbreaking outcomes.
Shelter Animals Count, the national database, reports that euthanasia rates have reached record highs, leaving shelters with agonizing choices.
In California, six young German Shepherd and Cattle Dog mix puppies were on the verge of being euthanized. But one compassionate person stepped in, and everything changed.
Pulled From The Brink
When The Animal Rescue Center Of California, a nonprofit foster-based shelter, received an urgent message from Susan Harsch, what they heard shocked them.
She had learned that six German Shepherd/Cattle Dog mix puppies, just 14 weeks old, were scheduled for euthanasia.
Devastated by the news, Susan immediately contacted her friends at the Animal Rescue Center.
The team sprang into action. Within hours, they rescued the puppies from Coachella Valley Animal Campus (CVAC).
Four girls and two boys were placed in temporary housing, but the clock was ticking.
Because ARC operates through foster homes, they needed to quickly find placements for all six puppies before their temporary accommodations ran out.
The shelter turned to their online community, asking for help.
“The pups need fosters immediately, or forever homes. If you would like to foster or adopt, please reach out to us…,” said in the video posted by the shelter.
From Crisis To Joyful New Beginnings
Not only did the shelter secure foster homes, but something even better happened: all six puppies were adopted into permanent homes.
According to a Facebook update, five of the puppies were sent to the East Coast, where loving families in Massachusetts and Vermont welcomed them.
One male pup, Jake, didn’t join his siblings on the East Coast. His future was waiting for him in California.
So, Jake stayed at the shelter in California, looking for his forever home, when the shelter received a heartwarming call.
“Dale has had Blue Heeler mixes in the past and absolutely loves them. He’s been without a fur companion for a while and has been looking for a Blue Heeler to live with him on the farm. He missed out on another dog he really wanted, so when he saw Jake’s pic online, he didn’t hesitate and called us immediately. He wasn’t going to lose Jake,” the shelter wrote.
Dale and Jake were a perfect match. They bonded instantly.
Today, Jake spends his days running across the farm, playing with cows and chickens, and enjoying life with his best friend, Dave.
From facing euthanasia to living a joyful life, these six puppies found the happy ending they deserved.