At Lucky’s Crew Animal Rescue in Bakersfield, a staff member was left shaken and devastated when an owner callously discarded two Belgian Malinois from a pickup truck directly in front of the shelter.
The two dogs appeared confused and frightened as they were abandoned, their eyes following the departing vehicle. Despite the neglect, they ran after the truck, tails wagging, holding onto hope that their owner might return.
A shelter worker captured the moment on video, speaking softly to the dogs and offering reassurance. Her calm and gentle presence became the lifeline the anxious pups urgently needed.
Immediate Shelter Intervention
The sight of the two Malinois left the staff member deeply troubled. Both dogs showed signs of exhaustion, malnourishment, and neglect.
The male dog was blind in one eye, while the female’s fur was filthy and unkempt. Shelter staff suspected the pair had been used in a backyard breeding situation, a realization that added to their distress.
Determined to help them quickly, the staff member shared the video on her TikTok account. The footage of the abandonment spread widely, eliciting public outrage and a surge of support for the dogs.
Although initially fearful and confused, the Malinois gradually responded to the attention and care from shelter staff. They began showing appreciation, licking hands and wagging tails, as if finally understanding they were safe.
Their eyes started to shine with a sense of hope for the first time in a long while.
A Path Toward Safety And Love
Lucky’s Crew Animal Rescue filed a report with authorities, prompting an investigation into the abandonment. In the meantime, the two Malinois were transferred to Kern County Animal Services for their mandatory stray hold period.
Even though the shelter was overcrowded, staff prepared to welcome the dogs back as soon as the hold period ended. Supporters and employees hoped the Malinois would soon leave the shelter behind and begin a new life in a loving home.
In a hopeful update, Lucky’s Crew Animal Rescue announced that the Malinois had been officially taken in by the Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue (MAD Rescue) in Michigan.
The future now holds the promise of a family who will provide the love, care, and stability the dogs had long been denied.
Their story underscores the importance of adoption and reminds potential pet owners that shelters are filled with animals ready to offer loyalty and companionship.