When Boogie arrived at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) in Downey, California, he quickly charmed the staff and volunteers.
Only three years old, Boogie was gentle, affectionate, and friendly with other dogs.
Despite his loving nature, Boogie was heartbreakingly placed on the euthanasia list. The cause was a case labeled as kennel cough.
With time slipping away, he held on to the hope that someone would step forward before it was too late.
A Race to Beat the Clock
As soon as shelter volunteer Ella and Fur Love Haven Rescue in Oregon learned about Boogie’s scheduled euthanasia, they sprang into action.
To pull him to safety, they needed a foster, and they reached out to Ava Taddeo.
Taddeo did not hesitate. After hearing that Boogie’s hours were numbered, she jumped into her car and headed straight for SEAACA.
She arrived just two hours before Boogie was set to be euthanized.
Papers signed, she led him out of the shelter and into a new beginning.
From the moment Boogie settled into the car, his whole body relaxed. He gazed out the window during his freedom ride, taking in the world beyond the kennel walls.
First Comforts, First Clues
Taddeo was determined to shower him with the love he had missed.
Back at home, Boogie enjoyed a warm bath and soon drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
A veterinary visit followed for a complete checkup. The surprise came quickly.
It was not kennel cough. It was pneumonia.
With medication prescribed, Taddeo brought him home again and focused on careful, consistent care.
Boogie began improving fast. Calm and content, he settled into foster life and even discovered a favorite pastime, beach trips with Taddeo.
Searching For The Story Behind His Eyes
Curious about his past, Taddeo contacted a shelter volunteer to learn more about where Boogie had come from.
No records surfaced that could explain his history.
Still, Taddeo had a hunch. He showed no signs of trauma, which made her think he had known love at some point.
His special fondness for elderly people led her to believe he might have belonged to an older person or couple who had passed away, leaving him without anyone to care for him.
Whatever his background, Taddeo felt grateful that he had been given another chance.
Once his recovery was complete, Boogie would be ready to enjoy every moment of the life ahead.
As days turned into weeks, Taddeo realized she could not picture letting him go. She made it official and adopted Boogie, giving him the forever home he deserved.
From the Brink to a Bright Future
Watching Boogie heal and flourish became deeply meaningful for her.
“It’s been an absolute journey to have seen a dog that came to me on the brink and literally saving him two hours from euthanasia time to now seeing him thrive and flourish and be healthy has been the most rewarding thing I could ever ask for,“ Taddeo told GeoBeats Animals.
Now Boogie is living his best life, surrounded by love and happier than ever.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped turn his story around at the very last moment.