For many dog rescuers, rescuing these furry companions is not just a passion but a profound mission. Sadly, for some, it turns into a mere business venture.
When the compassionate individuals from The Animal Pad in San Diego, California, learned about over 300 dogs living under cruel conditions at a fraudulent rescue operation, they sprang into action without hesitation.
Upon their arrival, they were utterly horrified by the sight.
Hundreds of dogs were found lacking proper nourishment and care, confined in spaces far too small. Among them was My Girl, found cowering inside an old washing machine drum, completely vulnerable.
Rescued from Cruel Circumstances
My Girl appeared to be utterly defeated when the rescuers first encountered her. She was gravely ill and frail, refusing any food or water.
Erica, the director of The Animal Pad and an editor and producer at The Dodo, along with her dedicated team, worked relentlessly to assist My Girl and the other 397 dogs in escaping this dire situation. Fortunately, the community rallied around them, and applications for adoptions began to flood in!
“I was three hours away at the rescue while different directors sent me videos of how they were caring for all these dogs. I was witnessing people save these dogs’ lives in real-time,” Erica remarked in an interview with The Dodo.
This sweet dog tested positive for the deadly distemper, requiring urgent hospitalization. The team did everything possible, and soon the dog began her treatment.
She was named My Girl because the team serenaded her daily with a rendition of The Temptations’ “My Girl.” Thanks to some tender love and care, she started to recover.
Living Her Best Life
Just 41 days later, My Girl transformed into a vibrant new dog. She improved so significantly that the California rescue team found it hard to believe she had ever been ill.
Her indomitable spirit, paired with her delightful personality, helped her defy the odds, and she soon began to flourish.
Shortly after her recovery, My Girl was welcomed into the AP facility, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. She started attending adoption events until one day, everything changed for the better!
A caring volunteer fell head over heels for this loving pup and eagerly agreed to take her in as a foster. But the heartwarming moment happened when she met the foster’s parents!
“The real magic happened when she met the foster’s parents. They immediately fell in love with her. It was a love-at-first-sight moment. And now, that is her forever home,” Erica shares.
It was evident that My Girl and her new family were perfectly matched. After her time in confinement, this lovely dog finally found a spacious home where she could joyfully zoom around all day.
“She can run freely on their expansive property. She has zoomies all day long. And, most importantly, she receives the love and care she deserves, and she is incredibly healthy,” Erica says.
Now, with her new parents and a doggy sibling, My Girl enjoys the best life imaginable, and her happiness shines brighter than ever!
