Darling Sophie

Five-month-old Sophie takes her first steps, after only 1 week of physical therapy to overcome her spinal injury.

Watch Sophie's first video: http://youtu.be/0QCaZI1kJhY

Sophie was abandoned at a local high-kill animal shelter and slated for immediate euthanasia because she couldn't walk. Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles saved her not a minute too soon. Our vets discovered a mass on her spine in the neck area. She has been undergoing physical therapy (including hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage, and laser therapy) to build her strength and coordination, and may also have surgery to remove the mass, if needed, depending on the prognosis.

We are so encouraged and excited to see her rapid progress, because prior to this, she wasn't able to even support her weight at all. We are hopeful that she will eventually regain the use of all 4 legs and run and play the way any puppy should. Please help us continue to give Sophie the love and support she needs to make a full recovery.

Donations for Sophie's medical treatment may be made at http://tinyurl.com/7urq5nk

Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles is a non profit 501(c)3, no kill rescue committed to saving all types of German Shepherd Dogs from high kill shelters and adopting them to loving, qualified homes. Sophie is just one of many dogs that Westside has saved.

Westside recently lost its major source of charitable funding, and is struggling to survive. We depend entirely on the donations of caring animal lovers like you. Please visit http://sheprescue.org/ to see how you can help.

Pele Penny

When we met Penny in the shelter, she was a ball of energy. She was in a small enclosure and could not wait to get out and run. She had mange, ear infections, a slit through her left ear from another dog, and a fear of us leaving her side. Now, she is independent, healthy, loves hiking, and most of all soccer! This is her covered in mud with her favorite toy.


Carissa Brooks, from New Haven, CT

From here and there

Adult large breeds need rescuing, too! Bruno, Ginger and Ally are the best of friends coming from MI, GA and TX. These two "and a half" Ridgebacks enjoy their lives of play...and waiting for a bone. (Bruno's other half is mastiff).

Each had come to their forever home from a different situation of neglect or abuse. Fantastic with the kids and loyal and loving, they give us back so much more than we could ever give them!

Jd Marhevko
Saline, MI

Blind dog rescued from trash heap has vision restored

Reprinted from MSN

Trust us, watch this all the way to the end. As unbearably sad as it is to see a small, trembling blind dog pulled from a trash heap in South L.A. by animal rescuers, it's just that much more inspiring and awesome when little Fiona has a bath, plenty of cuddles and her vision restored in one eye by a veterinarian.

The little dog's reaction to seeing the world again and watching her joyfully romp with the Hope For Paws Animal Rescue Organization workers in the video will not only make you believe in the possibilities of human empathy and kindness, but also makes even the Avril Lavigne background song sound good.

Follow this link to one of the most inspiring stories of compassion by people towards dogs....The Rescue of Fiona