As a dog rescuer, the thing that stuck with me the most was spending time with euthanasia-listed dogs…and not in a positive way. I mean, how do you even say goodbye to a dog? And how do you spend time with them, knowing this could be their last memory?
Evelyn Garces, a California shelter volunteer, knows this feeling all too well, and she’s still out there, fighting the good fight.
Recently, she posted a heartbreaking video of Sandy, a female German Shepherd, facing her inevitable end at the shelter. Showcasing Sandy’s “last set of activities,” Evelyn’s viral video broke many hearts that day — but it also brought a life-changing twist!
Facing The Inevitable
There are a lot of things we don’t know about Sandy, but one thing is for sure: she’s a lovable dog, and would be a great companion!
This German Shepherd momma was brought to Lancaster Animal Care Center, California, with her baby. Not long after, her puppy was adopted into a loving family, leaving Sandy all by herself.
As with all shelter dogs, the kennel environment didn’t suit Sandy well. She desperately needed a chance for a fresh start. Yet, people continued to ignore her, leaving Sandy with the worst scenario possible: “cleared for euthanasia.”
Evelyn, who takes videos so helpless shelter dogs could get second chances through her social media posts, decided to be Sandy’s voice this time.
In a heartbreaking video she posted on TikTok, Evelyn showcased Sandy’s last walk two days before her scheduled euthanasia.
“Today was Sandy’s last fun day out of her kennel. She’s been through a lot. She was brought to the shelter as a stray with her baby. Her baby was adopted, leaving only Sandy behind. She’s cleared for euthanasia and scheduled to go to heaven in less than 48 hours. Tomorrow is her last chance,” Evelyn wrote in the video.
During her last outing, Sandy also got to say goodbye to her best doggo friend and take a short dip in the pool. She also had her favorite treat, not realizing this could be one of her last meals ever.
“She got the last treat she’ll ever get today, and she got to say goodbye to her friend. She didn’t want to see him go,” the video text reads.
Evelyn hoped Sandy’s video could be her last chance of finding a home for herself, and she wasn’t wrong!
Within only a few days, Sandy’s story exploded on social media, leading to the most heartwarming update!
Long-Awaited Update
Thanks to Evelyn and the entire community of volunteers working in Sandy’s favor, the video of Sandy on her last walk captured the attention of a woman in San Diego, California.
She reached out to the shelter, asking to meet this sweet German Shepherd. The rest, as they say, is history!
The two formed a bond right off the bat, and Sandy, who was supposed to be euthanized, drove away to her new home instead!
After all this time, Sandy will finally have a family of her own and the life she truly deserves, far from the shelter environment.
Her story is a true testament to what great things a community can accomplish when united!
Happy life, Sandy!