22/09/2025
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
There was a lot of unnecessary chaos involving these dogs - chaos that was created by very well intentioned people who chose not to trust honest and accurate information, specifically, that we had a commitment to rescue ALL of these dogs. Anyone that knows of us, know that we show up and take ALL, not leaving anyone behind.
Our transporters arrived at 10:40 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Mama ZZ, Mama Zori (& their 5 puppies), and, Puppy-Papa "Zubao", all received their exit exam by the shelter's vet and were all out of the shelter and in our care and custody by 1pm. They are all SAFE.
As posted earlier, we had sent two transporters with 4 XXL crates to ensure safe exit and transport.
Mama ZZ and the pups were first to get their exit exam by the vet, and first to leave. They were staged outside of Rescue Vehicle #1 as the other two adults were receiving their exit exam, and being processed out.
Despite the fact that we have repeatedly stated that we were taking all of these dogs, rumors immediately began circulating - at around 11:50 a.m. that "...some other rescue got there (to the shelter) before us and took only the (all white) Mama dog and the 5 puppies, leaving the other two adult dogs to die.
This is 100% inaccurate information. Exiting a dog from a shelter is not like scanning a trolley full of items at the grocery store. It takes time. Our exit plan included that all dogs would be exited, be in their crates and in the vans, before the two transporters left the parking lot, together.
We are incredibly thankful to all of the staff at the Devore Animal Shelter, including the Rescue Team, Command Staff, and even those at a higher level in San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. It saddens us greatly that many people have negative things to say about "Devore" but we - in more than 12 years as a rescue partner - have not ever had a bad experience with them. We attribute this successful relationship to clear communication and an understanding of abilities, resources, and expectations.
We also wish to address the rumor that someone out there is soliciting and/or collecting pledges and/or donations for these dogs. Let us be clear. Akita Angels exited these dogs and has taken them into our rescue program. Any person or group that is soliciting or collecting funds for these dogs is committing fraud.
As all of these dogs need to be vetted - especially Mama ZZ and the puppies, we ask that if you wish to help, to please make a donation only through the official fundraiser set up by Akita Angels on GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/803da17b8
For now, please enjoy just a few of the quick photos taken while the dogs were being exited, staged and loaded, and rest easy tonight knowing they are safe with us.
Lastly - There's a heavy interest in the puppies. Please be patient. They are estimated to be between 5-6 weeks old and our focus right now is to let them all begin to decompress.
If you have any questions, please do not rely on information created or spread by others. Instead, contact us, email is best: [email protected]