When Eldad Hagar, founder of Hope For Paws, and his team heard about a stray pup named Houdini in desperate need of help, they had no idea just how difficult the mission would be.
For two years, Houdini lived around the Los Angeles port. Locals regularly left food for him and tried to care for him from a distance, but he never let anyone close. Some hoped to earn his trust and bring him home, but Houdini managed to avoid capture every time.
The port’s wide-open grounds provided endless places to hide. On one occasion, Animal Control caught him, but the clever pup escaped. Hope For Paws was determined to succeed where others had failed and give Houdini a better life.
The Rescue Attempt
A team of four rescuers arrived at the port and set a trap. But Houdini, true to his name, circled it cautiously and bolted before they could make a move. At that moment, they realized they would need a new approach.
The following day, Hope For Paws partnered with Rescue From The Hart, arriving with seven people and a new plan. They erected temporary fencing and stretched soccer nets to block every possible escape route.
As soon as Houdini spotted them, he sprinted away with astonishing speed. The team chased after him, but the elusive dog disappeared once more. When rain began to fall, the rescuers had no choice but to retreat.
By the third day, the team returned—this time with ten rescuers. Everyone was determined to finally bring Houdini to safety.
Almost immediately, Houdini appeared, as if mocking their efforts, before vanishing again within minutes.
The team brought in more fencing and additional nets, this time sealing off every possible exit around the port.
“There was just no way out of there,” Hagar explained.
Rescuers spread across the area, each with their own net, ready to close in. They knew Houdini was terrified, but they also knew he deserved to feel safe, loved, and cared for.
When Houdini showed himself again, the rescuers gave chase. Hagar managed to slip a leash around his neck, though the frightened pup fought to break free. Loreta quickly tossed a net over him, and at last, Houdini was caught.
Discovering The Comfort Of Human Touch
The team gently stroked Houdini, doing their best to ease his fear. Hagar then invited Mike, a security guard who had been feeding Houdini for two years, to approach. As Mike softly petted his head, Houdini relaxed for the first time in years, finally feeling the reassuring touch of a human hand.
He was transported to a shelter, where Hagar rubbed his belly until the panic faded from Houdini’s eyes. The once-anxious stray nestled against his rescuer’s shirt, soaking in the warmth of affection he had long been denied.
After his first bath, Loreta scooped him up and cuddled him close. To everyone’s joy, Houdini transformed before their eyes—showering her with kisses and revealing the sweet, loving dog he had always been underneath the fear.
Houdini was placed with Rescue From The Hart, who quickly arranged a foster home. Surrounded by caring humans and playful dogs, he thrived, enjoying every moment of companionship and affection.
It wasn’t long before the charming little pup found a forever family. They fell in love instantly, and Houdini embraced his new life with happiness and trust. The once-frightened stray finally had a safe place to call home—one where fear would never rule his world again.