10/07/2025
We cannot begin to express the heartbreak we feel for the dogs and cats who continue to be overlooked, passed by for reasons that seem so small in comparison to the love they have to give.
“They jump too much.”
“They didn’t greet me right away.”
“They’re too shy.”
“Too big.”
“Too rowdy.”
When you walk into a shelter, you're not meeting perfect animals. You're meeting souls who have been through loss, fear, and confusion. They may jump, they may hide, they may bark too loudly or seem unsure, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a chance. In fact, it means they need you even more.
Some of our longest residents still wait. We look at them every day and ask ourselves the same question: Why are they still here?
Juliet has been with us for over 9 months. Can you believe that? Nine long months after being abandoned in a canyon on a winter day, left to wonder what she did wrong. She was shy, especially with men, and uncertain around other dogs. But she's blossoming. With the help of our volunteers, she’s learning to trust again. She's tall, around 70 lbs, but her size shouldn’t define her. Her heart is soft, and it’s ready to love.
And then there’s Lilly. Goofy, affectionate Lilly who was found locked in a cage, starving. Despite the unimaginable cruelty she faced, she greets everyone with love. She adores people, kids included, and is friendly with other dogs. She’s been overlooked time and time again, with no-shows for meet-and-greets and empty promises. Almost 2 years old, Lilly has spent over 8 months in a kennel. She loves hiking, being outside, but would be just as happy curled up on your couch.
Heath, Jr. Mint, and Sweet Tart, our sibling trio, were dumped as puppies and are now growing up in the shelter. They’re 6 months old, nearly 7, and still waiting. People say they’re too rowdy or too hyper, but they’ve never been given the structure or love a home could offer. Their energy comes from a place of joy and a deep, desperate longing for connection.
And it’s not just the dogs.
Our long-term adult cats are still here too:
Callie, who just wants a quiet space to be herself.
Zazu, who dreams of roaming a home with respectful companions.
Coco Puffs, Sammi, Angelina, and our newest resident, Salem, each one with a heart full of love, just waiting for someone to see past their silence and give them a chance.
These animals aren’t broken. They aren’t flawed. They are survivors. They are unique, beautiful, and so deserving of love. Some just need a little more patience, a little more time, but what’s not to love about that?
We don’t understand why it’s so hard for them to be seen. But we won’t stop fighting for them.
Please, share this. Let someone see Juliet’s quiet bravery. Lilly’s unshakable joy. The puppies’ eager, innocent eyes. Callie’s quiet strength. Zazu’s curiosity. All of them are waiting.
It takes just a second to press a button.
But for them, that second could change everything.
If you have any questions about any of these animals, please call us during business hours or send us an email. We are here, and they are waiting.
