South West Akita Tactical Rescue

07/01/2025

RYDER ❤️

At 4 months old, he was picked up stray in St. George, Utah – and never reclaimed. A wonderful family picked him up for us and let him do a sleepover at their home in Las Vegas. A husband & wife team of SWAT Rescue volunteers drove to Las Vegas, spent the night & brought him back to PX the next day – where he received everything he needed from the vet – and went straight to his Forever Home. It is the magic that rescue dreams are made of. From his Daddy: “He is our family’s third Akita from SWAT. I retired from the military after 28 years and did struggle with depression for some time until Ryder came along. He is more than a dog. Ryder helped me more than any therapist could. He is a blessing to me. His unconditional love and lack of reactivity to people, dogs and cats is stunning. There is not a stranger in his world. Wherever I take him, I become invisible. He takes the spotlight.”

Ryder recently tested for and earned his CGC Certification.

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

REMI – In May, 2022 we were contacted by the Colorado Springs Humane Society about a home full of dogs abandoned by the owners. One was a young male Akita by the name of Re*****on. I sent a text to our team just hoping maybe one of them knew someone that could help us save him. One of our team members replied, “We are in Colorado Springs right now.” Tammy & Tracy Brazil were attending the graduation of a family member. One hour later Tammy called me and shared, “this is how my husband operates. He cancelled our flight back to Phoenix, returned the Jeep we were cruising around Colorado in, rented an SUV and we are on the way to pull Re*****on.” They drove all night long back to Phoenix and Remi slept in the back seat with his head on Tammy’s shoulder. From Remi’s Daddy: “He is amazing. Loving, loyal and protective of his family. Every night before bed he goes into Noah’s room and says good night. Mommy usually plays with him on the bed and gives him some treats. He starts sleeping in the hallway between both bedrooms, moves to his bed in the office, before ending up in our bed before we wake. He insists on a walk every morning and every night. He is very vocal in the morning and always greets whoever comes home with a woo-woo and a big tail wagging. He is smart, strong and stubborn. He is truly the bestest boy. We cannot express how blessed we are by having him and how blessed we feel to be a part of SWAT.”

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

KOJI ❤️

We recently had a gal reach out to us who’s 48 year old daughter in southern Arizona had passed from an aneurism. She had a beautiful 5 year old male Akita. He was taken to the shelter where they picked him up, took him to the vet where he was boarded until they could find him a home. They spoke to the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista where we have pulled Akita’s from in the past & they advised her to contact SWAT Rescue.

Since the wonderful husband & wife who had planned on adopting our precious Arrow live in southern Arizona we contacted them. We all agreed what an amazing way we could honor Arrow’s life - to give another sweet boy in need a wonderful life, a wonderful home.

The following Monday they went to meet him. They reported back “super sweet!” So they went back, connected with the owner’s parents & introduced their baby girl, Lily (female Akita) & KOJI. Everything went very well. So KOJI now has a new forever home!

Afterward we received a message from his owner’s parents:

“Thank you. You made our promise to our daughter come true.”

In our hearts we are certain a beautiful angel named Arrow is watching down from Heaven. And he had his paw in all of this…

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

KENJI ❤️

When we first saw this boy pop up on our radar, he was in the west Maricopa county shelter. His nose was absolutely raw from between his eyes all the way down to the tip. We worried about infection & the stress of him being in a noisy, overcrowded shelter. We knew he needed us.

Again, expressing how grateful we are for everyone who supports SWAT Rescue. Not only does it enable us to save a pup from the shelter & have a safe place to board them. It enables us to make sure they get the absolute best veterinary care.

Skin biopsy results revealed an autoimmune skin condition & he was started on treatment right away.

On August 23, 2024, a wonderful couple met Kenji & to no surprise to us, fell in love with him.

From his Mommy:

“I can't say enough about our boy. He's the most loveable, cuddly 110 pound lap puppy ever. He loves to be loved and hug. He spins in circles while I'm fixing his food. It's hilarious. And he's the best ball player. Kenji has brought us more joy and happiness that I could ever have imagined. We so adore and love him.”

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

LELE ❤️

SWAT Rescue was blessed to save this sweetheart from the Maricopa County shelter this past Labor Day. The day we met, she entered the play yard, trotted over to us & kissed our hands. We were smitten.

She immediately became a favorite at Heidi’s Village. Thankful to our wonderful supporters who enable us to continue our passion of saving these precious lives - she got a clean bill of health, put on some much needed weight & blossomed into a confident, playful girl.

From her Mommy:

"Lele is a certified Christmas Puppy, having reached her furever home just 2 weeks ago!
Inspired by the musical instrument, ukulele, "Lele" in Hawaiian means to "jump or fly," — and she is prone to do so over baby gates.
She is a well-mannered Love Bug who likes belly-rubs, walks in the park and any form of chicken."

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

LELE ❤️

SWAT Rescue was blessed to save this sweetheart from the Maricopa County shelter this past Labor Day. The day we met, she entered the play yard, trotted over to us & kissed our hands. We were smitten.

She immediately became a favorite at Heidi’s Village. Thankful to our wonderful supporters who enable us to continue our passion of saving these precious lives - she got a clean bill of health, put on some much needed weight & blossomed into a confident, playful girl.

From her Mommy:

"Lele is a certified Christmas Puppy, having reached her furever home just 2 weeks ago!
Inspired by the musical instrument, ukulele, "Lele" in Hawaiian means to "jump or fly," — and she is prone to do so over baby gates.
She is a well-mannered Love Bug who likes belly-rubs, walks in the park and any form of chicken."

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

DAKOTA ❤️

Picked up running stray on the streets in Phoenix in the middle of a brutal summer. It didn’t take us long to realize what a wonderful teddy bear he is & how lucky we at SWAT Rescue are to play a part in his journey.

From his Mommy:

“Dakota’s (aka Kota) family consists of Becky, Art, their 18 year old daughter Kaylee and his German shepherd sibling Ruby (and of course always, the entire SWAT family). His favorite things include laying out by the pool (at all times of the year including summer), drinking gallons of water every day, destroying stuffie toys, looking for snacks in Kaylee’s bedroom (of which he is often successful), and keeping his eyes open for kitty cats during his nightly walk. He makes sure we know when it’s dinner time and when it’s walk time. His nickname is the inspector because he has to check out everything that comes through the door. Kaylee works at a doggy daycare and boarding facility and Kota sniffs her thoroughly when she gets home. We can only imagine what he is thinking about all the different dog scents he smells. And he’s the best watch dog! Kota loves Ruby and tolerates her obnoxious play, cleaning his ears, and in return he gives her lots of love nibbles. He is so patient with her. We love him so much and he has been a perfect match for Ruby and our family.”

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

KIMI ❤️

Picked up running stray in Dallas. Texas, the first thing that drew us in to this girl is her absolutely sweet face. She tested positive for HW so we boarded her there for 3 months while she received her treatment. Once her treatment was finished we lined up a transport to bring her here to Phoenix.

Not long after her arrival we introduced her to a wonderful young couple who fell in love with her.

From her Daddy:

“There's so much to say about Kimi. When we first saw met Kimi it was at the Furshire, we had gone out camping the weekend after. The entire time, we couldn't stop thinking about how much fun it would be to have adventures with her. The first thing we did when we got home was ask Chuck if we could adopt her and make her a part of our family. We take her on adventures with us whenever possible.

Kimi used to be so reserved, but now she has the most endearing way of showing affection. She'll sit on our feet or legs or rub her body against us like a cat, begging for endless pets.

Kimi's current treat obsession is with bananas. I've never seen her so focused and determined for a treat. She'll follow you around and won't leave your side if there's even a chance for a taste.”

Whether traveling around the country with her Mommy & Daddy, sleeping in the tent while camping, swimming, laying in the hammock, being a silly, loving little girl on SWAT Rescue Pack Walks at Pioneer Park in Peoria or at Tempe Town Lake - Chuck’s little “Kimi, Kimi, Kimi” & Heathyr’s little “Tator Tot” - she has endeared herself to all of us.

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

Photo Credit: Rhonda Tipton

07/01/2025

MILO ❤️

Another sweet, handsome male Akita landed in our shelter right here in Phoenix. Failed numerous times by humans. Super grateful for SWAT Rescue team member Kristen for meeting, evaluating & giving this wonderful boy his Freedom Ride. Sat for hours in rush hour traffic with him to get him to boarding but he & she didn’t care. I think this boy found it entertaining.

A family very dear to us had fairly recently lost their male Akita. Papa Bear of this family had shared, we all love our walks together Ma’am, but we miss having a pup walk with us.

What a beautiful opportunity to not only connect this sweet boy - referred to as “Mr. Chill” - with a loving family but provide this family with an endearing teddy bear.

From his Daddy:

“Milo is a big wuss, just like his owner. He's really famous in the community because he's a climber. When outside in the back yard he looks over the wall and checks out evey passing car and person. There's a bus stop behind the house and they all know him. Every time I walk him, somebody recognizes him. He's pretty famous.”

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

07/01/2025

SUMI (Beautiful) – In June 2023, Sumi found herself surrendered to the Maricopa County Animal Shelter. Shoved into a hot, over-crowded kennel with no visitors allowed. Local news channels were reporting that all air conditioning at the shelter was out. Only a restricted special list was allowed to pull her. SWAT Rescue was not on that list.

Sumi was facing a deadline of July 18th. Kristen visited the shelter many times and with SWAT’s help, networked to get her pulled within hours of her expiration. On July 18th, a brutal Phoenix summer day – 119 degrees – two SWAT Rescue volunteers – Kristen & Tammy – walked Sumi out of the shelter. But not before Sumi stopped to cuddle and kiss every single shelter staff member on the way out.

Without a plan Kristen took Sumi. Sumi is alive today because Kristen never stopped fighting for her. Sumi now lives with Kristen in her forever home being loved & spoiled with her Senior Labrador brother Maxx.

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

07/01/2025

Pics are up from our recent Walk to Support SWAT Rescue! Thank you Rhonda Tipton!

Enjoy everyone!

In Hawaii, there are two things of equal importance-`Ohana (Family) and the Aloha Spirit. The blending of these two dynamic principles is how Lim's Hawaii Kenpo was born. In 1984 George Lim opened the first Lim's Hawaii Kenpo school in San Diego, California. Today there are 19 locations around the w...

06/01/2025

KOLBY ❤️

Sweet boy lovin’ the weather in his home town.

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

06/01/2025

Happy Monday from our sweet Bailey Bear!

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

06/01/2025

MOCHI & SMOKEY ❤️

If you're embarking on a road trip to the Walk to Support SWAT Rescue, seize the opportunity to explore some amazing places along the way.

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

06/01/2025

Vanessa Rosselli Sheppard’s Prayer & Blessing of the Animals Saturday morning at our Walk to Support SWAT Rescue was so poignant it stirred our souls.

Thank you 😘

06/01/2025

So grateful to Alexis Bates for performing the National Anthem for us at our annual Walk to Support SWAT Rescue. She did a simply amazing job. 🇺🇸

06/01/2025

LELE (lay-lee) ❤️
Formerly known as Coco

Adopted & Adored!

In a world of uncertainty and strife,
A rescue dog brings hope to life.
With eyes that tell a tale untold,
They find their way into hearts of gold.

From a shelter or a street unknown,
Their journey’s path, a tale of their own.
But in your home, they find their place,
A second chance, love’s warm embrace.

So here’s to rescue dogs, strong and true,
In them, a lesson for me and you.
In their eyes, we see the way,
Love and kindness, day by day.

Come! Sit! Stay! Let’s Pawty!

South West Akita Tactical Rescue

05/01/2025

An Attitude of Gratitude:
Heartfelt Thanks to All of You!

Together, We Are Unstoppable

We recognize that the challenges in the rescue world today can be daunting, but your unwavering dedication to our magnificent Akitas is truly inspiring. As partners, we are an unbeatable force, driven by our shared passion to make a difference.

As we embark on this New Year, we want you to know that you are deeply valued and appreciated. Every gift, every prayer, and every act of kindness has a profound impact, because every life is precious. Your selflessness is a shining example of the transformative power of compassion.

From the depths of our hearts, we express our sincerest gratitude. Thank you for embracing our vision of a brighter future for Akitas. Thank you for your generosity, your unwavering support, and your partnership. We eagerly look forward to continuing this journey with you, as we strive to bring about lasting change in the lives of the beautiful Akitas we serve.

Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us again on Saturday, January 3, 2026 for our annual Walk to Support SWAT Rescue.

With Endless Gratitude,
South West Akita Tactical Rescue