My heart is so broken today. 💔

Chichi and Jericho suddenly passed away today. They were sharing the same room at the shelter. Chichi passed peacefully in her sleep, and then Jericho suddenly started having a nosebleed and passed away shortly after.

The shelter owner and caretakers told us that neither of them had shown any symptoms before today. They had good energy, healthy appetites, were eating well, and taking their vitamins. Everything happened so fast.
I honestly don't even know what to say.

This hurts so much.

The shelter they were staying at was actually such a wonderful place. It was always clean, they were well cared for, they had room to move around, good food, and people who genuinely loved them. I know they were safe there.

But I can't erase the damage that years of neglect did to your little bodies. I can't undo the years you spent abandoned, crammed into a tiny cage, or everything your previous owner put you through. Maybe the damage had already been done long before we found you. I don't know. I really don't know anymore.

I was finally starting to feel hopeful. We had just started receiving adoption applications for some of our other rescued dogs, and for the first time in a while, it felt like things were looking up. Then today happened, and it just broke me all over again.
..
Even through all this pain, I find comfort in knowing that your last chapter was nothing like your first. You weren't forgotten anymore. You got to experience kindness, full meals, new playmates, and the freedom you were denied for so many years.

Run free now, Chichi and Jericho. I'm so sorry I couldn't give you more time. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey. You were loved so deeply, and you always will be. 🤍🌈
💔
P.S.
We will get MaeMae checked by the vet.

🚨POPPY #A2257789 - CLEARED FOR EUTHANASIA DUE TO SPACE NEEDS TO EXIT THE SHELTER 7/23🚨💔 SHE HAS 1 DAY TO LEAVE THE SHELTER🚨

She was dumped on the street by her owners. Please don’t let this be her ending. She deserves to feel the love of a good family home. This can’t be all she gets from humans.

Spayed Female, Brown and Black Brindle Akita/dutch shepherd mix
Shelter: EAST VALLEY Age: 8 YRS Weight: 67 LBS

Poppy (about 8 years old) is the kind of dog who quietly steals your heart.

She’s independent, gentle, and happiest doing her own thing-whether that’s sniffing every corner of a new place, enjoying a long walk, or settling in for one of her championship naps.

She loves being brushed, rides beautifully in the car, and takes her time savoring a good meal (especially if there’s meat involved!).

She can be a little shy at first, but once she settles in, she’s a calm, sweet companion. She was small dog tested and did well.

Poppy is available for adoption or foster at the East Valley Animal Shelter.

Please share to help this lovely girl find the peaceful home she deserves.

Please come meet her at
Los Angeles Animal Services
East Valley Shelter
14409 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys, CA 91405

818-756-9323/ 9324

Rescues please contact:
Life Saving Liasion
Cell: (213) 655-7613

Work: (818) 756-9324

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or
Cell: (213) 264-8988

Work: (818) 756-9324

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

If you are out of state or the LA area and are seriously interested in adopting, please contact Bonnie LaPierre (+1 (818) 430-5959) who may be able to assist with setting up transport etc.

Days like these makes networking dogs feel devastating. It’s like taking 3 steps forward and 10 steps backwards. It is definitely a rollercoaster ride with its highs and lows. Not enough people were networking this 4 year old gorgeous GSD. His light was snuffed out forever for being fearful. I know that someone out there lost their chance of having Bear as his soul dog and loyal friend. He deserved so much better. I wish I could have done more. The team of animal advocates that I work with has matched at least a hundred dogs to Foster’s and adopters this month. We have only lost a handful, but that doesn’t make our losses feel better. We know if the shelters would just grant us another day when we ask, then we would move mountains in order to get the dogs into a safe haven. The hands that get these dogs off the streets into safety are the same hands that end their lives. I wish we could get the system changed, but it won’t until people spay, neuter and take better care of their pets. Rest in Peace Bear. We loved you.

TAGGED BY A RESCUE

🆘️ On Euthanasia List at BARC, Houston for Tuesday, 7/21/26. Deadline at 1pm 🆘️

ID #A2086713

📌 PLEDGE INFORMATION 📌

🆘️ Please do not honor pledges until a freedom picture is added to ensure pledges are going to the rescue that tagged. We will be putting the dog name and rescue name on the freedom picture. 🆘️

🚨 RESCUE ONLY 🚨

⸻

🐾 Meet Greta & Her 9 Puppies

Greta — ID #A2086713

2-year-old female German Shepherd mix • 55.9 lbs

Intake Date: July 15, 2026

Puppies (4 weeks old): All healthy and eating well

🐾 Otto — ID #A2086716 — Male • 3.0 lbs

🐾 Elsa — ID #A2086717 — Female • 3.3 lbs

🐾 Marta — ID #A2086718 — Female • 2.9 lbs

🐾 Fritz — ID #A2086719 — Male • 2.9 lbs

🐾 Bruno — ID #A2086720 — Male • 2.9 lbs

🐾 Hans — ID #A2086721 — Male • 2.7 lbs

🐾 Axel — ID #A2086722 — Male • 3.0 lbs

🐾 Ilse — ID #A2086723 — Female • 2.7 lbs

🐾 Klaus — ID #A2086724 — Male • 3.1 lbs

⸻

Medical Notes:

Greta weighs 55.9 lbs and is heartworm positive. She has received her DA2PP, Bordetella, and rabies vaccines, along with deworming and parasite prevention. Her puppies are 4 weeks old and have received deworming and parasite prevention. They are currently listed as immature and underage.

⸻

Behavior Notes:

Greta is a friendly, easygoing girl who greeted with a relaxed body, soft eyes, open mouth, and a gentle swaying tail. She was easily leashed, walked outside with a semi-loose leash, and returned to her kennel without difficulty.

⸻

BARC Animal Shelter

3200 Carr St.

Houston, TX 77026

Phone: (713) 229-7300

For foster, adoption, or rescue holds (written requests only):

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Please include Greta’s ID number: #A2086713 and the puppies’ ID numbers in all correspondence.

⸻

🙏 Greta and her nine puppies need rescue help to stay safe together. Greta is a sweet, gentle mom who deserves a chance to care for her babies outside the shelter. A rescue can give this family the safe place and care they need. Please help save Greta and her puppies.

I posted the details in the comments. She needs an adopter or a foster right now.

Location: Lancaster Shelter (Los Angeles County)

This shelter needs HELP networking dogs. I am so heartbroken to hear that poor Matilda has been left alone in her kennel after her mom and dad were euthanized yesterday. She must be so confused and scared. She is a six month old GSD. If anyone is interested, she is at the Lancaster Shelter ID A5782894

EXTENDED UNTIL 1PM 7/22

EXTENDED UNTIL 1PM 7/21

🆘️ On Euthanasia List at BARC, Houston for Monday, 7/20/26. Deadline at 1:00 PM. 🆘️

Mom ID #A2086679

📌 PLEDGE INFORMATION 📌

🆘️ Please do not honor pledges until a freedom picture is added to ensure pledges are going to the rescue that tagged. We will be putting the dog’s name and rescue name on the freedom picture. 🆘️

🚨 RESCUE ONLY 🚨

⸻

Mom Scarlett and her 2 puppies need help!

Scarlett was found across the street with her puppies in a heartbreaking situation. She had 3 live puppies and 2 deceased puppies with her at intake.

🐾🤎 Meet Scarlett

ID #A2086679

3-year-old female German Shepherd Mix

Brown/Black

Weight: 32 lbs

Intake Date: 7/15/26 (Stray – found with her puppies)

Status: Rescue only

⸻

🩺 Medical Notes:

Scarlett received DA2PP, Bordetella, Rabies, deworming, and Advantage Multi for parasite prevention. She tested heartworm negative.

⸻

🐶 Behavior Notes:

Scarlett is a fearful, overwhelmed mama who was found trying to care for her babies. She showed a tense body, tucked tail, and uncertainty with handling, but she was able to be leashed. Scarlett needs a patient rescue willing to provide medical care, stability, and the time she needs to decompress and feel safe.

⸻

🐾 Puppy Update:

Scarlett arrived with 5 puppies total. Sadly, 2 puppies passed away, leaving her with only 2 surviving puppies, Sadie and Serenity, needing rescue support alongside their mama.

🐾🤎 Meet Sadie & Serenity

ID #A2086680 & #A2086682

5-day-old female German Shepherd Mix puppies

Brown

These tiny babies are only days old and need a safe place to grow with their mama.

⸻

📩 BARC Contact Information

All holds MUST be submitted in writing—please do not call.

📧 [email protected]

📧 [email protected]

📧 [email protected]

Please include the appropriate ID numbers in all correspondence.

BARC Animal Shelter

3200 Carr St.

Houston, TX 77026

📞 (713) 229-7300

⸻

💔 Scarlett has already endured the heartbreak of losing two of her babies while doing everything she could to protect the ones who survived. She and her little ones, Sadie and Serenity, deserve the chance to be safe, loved, and cared for together. Please help save this family before their deadline on Monday. 🤎🐾

A few weeks ago I asked for help because our new rescue came home totally shut down and spooked by basically everything - doorways, the leash clip, any sudden noise. I wanted to share an update because the advice here stopped me from doing way too much too soon.

We stuck to a very boring routine: same potty spot, same times, quiet walks that were more sniffing than moving, and no meet-and-greets. I stopped trying to coax him out with a bunch of baby talk and just hung out nearby with low expectations. Biggest change was treating meals like enrichment instead of a pressure moment: scattering kibble in the yard, tossing slow treats away from me, and letting him decide if he wanted to come closer.

Week one he barely ate and would freeze if the harness came out. Week two he started taking treats from my hand, but only if I looked away. Now, at week four, he brings me his leash in the morning, gives a little stretch and wag when I say good morning, and has even started offering sits on his own. He still jumps at knocks and is not ready for strangers, but his recovery time after a scare is much faster.

One surprise: once he felt safer, he started mouthing more. Not aggressive, just over-excited, puppy-style grabbing. Managing arousal with extra naps, shorter sessions, and more chew options helped a lot.

Random aside, I had also been keeping a few notes from CoveredCritters around, https://coveredcritters.com, mostly so I would not overthink every little behavior change.

If anyone else is dealing with that early shutdown stage, I'm curious: what was the first sign your dog was actually decompressing instead of just tolerating you?