Dog rescue takes a weird turn in the middle of the night 😨 #GivingTuesday 🐶

This rescue had a couple of twists, but by working together with volunteers and rescue partners, we figured it all out and ended with an amazing result. 😍🤩

Marcel lived alone on the streets of McFarland, his immune system too weak to fight off the mange that slowly took over every inch of his tiny body. 

Our friend, Yesenia Hernandez, who had called us about other dogs in that area, reached out to #HopeForPaws and asked for help. Just as I got ready to head north, she told me that an Animal Control officer got him, but Marcel managed to get away! 😱

He went missing for a few days, completely spooked by the experience, and because of the far distance from Los Angeles, I asked Yesenia to keep a close eye out and let me know when he reappears.

A week later, he did! I rushed up north in hopes of securing him and not letting him go. I was told that if we approached him, he would run away, so Yesenia and I just followed him for hours and waited for him to walk into someone's yard so we could secure him. We also set up a trap, but he was too smart for it and didn't walk into it.

After many hours, he disappeared into the night, and we couldn't find him anymore. Completely defeated, I loaded my trap and prepared for the drive home. On my way back, I had to stop for gas, and that's where I found Winnie, a small female, sleeping by the pumps. 

I approached slowly, offered some treats, but she was cautious. I went back to the rescue vehicle, got my gentle snare, and after a few minutes, I managed to secure her. She screamed and cried, but I was able to assure her that this is the best day of her life so far.

We headed back to Los Angeles together, and I notified the team at CARES that we were on our way. 

A couple of days later, Marcel, the original dog I went for, reappeared, and animal control got him AGAIN! Marcel was taken to the shelter where he was held for seven days in what is called a "stray hold" (In case there was an owner looking for him). We pleaded with the shelter to let us take him and provide him medical care until his hold period ends (we knew no one was coming for him), but they refused.

A week later, Marcel became adoptable, so our friends at Maison Sure did all the paperwork, and Yesenia volunteered to give him a freedom ride to CARES, and here we started treatment. 

The recovery of both of them is beautiful and I hope that on this #GivingTuesday you will support us and help us maximize the matching gift we really hope to get: https://www.hopeforpaws.org/campaigns/season-hope

We are 23% of the way there, but I really need every one of you who have read this far to help us with a small donation. As you can see, Hope For Paws supporters make so many miracles happen.

Winnie is now fostered by our friends at I Stand With My Pack and to apply to adopt this sweetie, please contact them directly: https://www.istandwithmypack.org

Marcel is fostered by our friends at Maison Sure and even though he is still going through the healing process, he is not contageous to humans or other dogs, so to adopt this happy little boy, please contact them directly here: https://www.maisonsurela.org

If you have ever wished someone would step in for an animal in danger, this is your moment to be that person. Even the smallest gift helps us save more lives together. 💝

Thank you so much!

Eldad