Happy Endings
Josie
Josie & Lana Rescued
By Drone
Guest Contributor Kyle Werner, Animal Services Manager/Chief Animal Control Officer & Certified
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
Thanks to DAWG’s generous donation of a thermal imaging drone, Mission Viejo Animal Services now has a powerful new tool to help locate lost pets, respond to emergencies, and provide an even higher level of service to our community.
Since receiving the drone, Animal Services has already used it in several critical situations with outstanding results. In two recent cases, the drone was deployed to locate dogs that had become lost in remote, rugged areas. These locations would have been extremely difficult, and in some cases, unsafe for officers to search on foot alone. Using thermal imaging from the air, officers were able to quickly pinpoint the dogs’ locations and guide responders directly to them, leading to safe and successful reunifications with their families. Much-loved Josie and Lana were incredibly relieved to be safe after their rescues from the wild.
The drone was also instrumental during a dangerous incident involving a dog on the 5 Freeway. With traffic moving at high speeds, locating and coordinating officers safely was a major challenge. The drone provided real-time aerial and thermal views, allowing Animal Services to track the dog’s movement, position officers strategically, and ultimately capture the dog without injury to the animal, the public, or responders.
DAWG’s donation has already made a measurable impact, helping save lost pets, improve response times, and enhance officer safety. Most importantly, it has strengthened our ability to protect animals and serve the community when it matters most.
We are incredibly grateful for DAWG’s continued support and commitment to animal welfare. The generosity of DAWG is truly helping save lives—one mission at a time.
Lana
Tiny survivors who beat the odds and
found their forever homes
The London Litter: Seven Puppies, One Brave Fight
What could be more entertaining than seven Lab/Shepherd mix pups tumbling over each other, chewing on anything they can reach, and grinning from ear to ear? When officers visited an overcrowded desert shelter, they couldn’t resist rescuing Bradford, Birmingham, Kensington, Buckingham, London, Chelsea, and Oxford. Even then, it was easy to imagine the loving families who would soon fall head over heels for these adorable pups.
Arriving at Mission Viejo Animal Services Center through the Mission For Home program, the “London Litter” settled in for a well-earned nap after their big day. But just one week later, everything changed.
The puppies became dangerously ill with Mycoplasma pneumonia — an infection that can take 10–14 days before symptoms appear, meaning exposure likely happened before their rescue. Four of the seven babies were in critical condition, with the remaining three also very sick.
Thanks to rapid, aggressive treatment, these little fighters pulled through. They spent nights at Animal Urgent Care and days rotating between three veterinary clinics with isolation space for their intensive care. Oxygen therapy and IV antibiotics helped turn the tide.
Today, all seven pups are thriving — and each one has found a loving forever home.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the veterinary technicians, doctors, and shelter staff whose expertise and dedication saved these tiny lives. And most of all… thank you. Your donations made this lifesaving care possible and gave seven playful pups the happy endings they deserve.
Happy Boy Remy Dances Through Life
An energetic little Bichon Frise the shelter staff named Remy arrived as a stray — confident, curious, and strutting his stuff like he owned the place. He clearly needed a bath, and a closer exam revealed painful ear infections requiring medication.
The day Remy received dental care, additional ear treatment, and his neuter surgery, he initially appeared to be recovering well. But within the next 12 hours, he experienced three fainting spells. His critical care doctors were puzzled. Between episodes, Remy was bright, alert, and ready for attention — even dancing on his hind legs like he was at a party. Doctors suspected a possible reaction to anesthesia.
Soon after, Remy was adopted by a wonderful family who describe him as affectionate, playful, and full of life. A couple of months later, however, he experienced another fainting episode. DAWG stepped in to provide advanced testing and a neurological evaluation. The diagnosis: mild seizures that are now fully controlled with medication.
When we recently checked in and asked whether his daily medication made him sleepy, Remy’s dad laughed and said, “Not this guy!” Remy remains the lively, joyful pup he’s always been — thriving with his loving family and enjoying every day.
Thank you for helping make Remy’s happy ending possible.
From medical mystery to joyful mischief
– Remy never misses a beat
Hundreds of caring hearts came together
to save one special cat
A Community Rallies for Willow
Willow was the victim of a horrific attack that left her in critical condition. The individual responsible was arrested and charged with felony animal abuse. While the case continues to move through the court system, we want to pause and recognize something extraordinary — the overwhelming compassion shown by our community.
More than a hundred cat lovers responded with both heartbreak and determination, donating toward Willow’s lifesaving care. This outpouring of support reminded us how deeply people care about animals in need, and we are profoundly grateful.
After nearly six weeks of intensive hospital care, Willow has now returned home to her owner. Her jaw is still healing — something expected for a 12-year-old senior kitty — but she is comfortable and happy to be back where she belongs. She will continue to need special care, including frequent feedings and medication, yet her spirit remains strong.
Throughout Willow’s long recovery, Dr. Kelly Wright and veterinary technician Hana Butter of Mission Hills Pet Care Center shared that Willow often expressed her gratitude in the sweetest way — gentle purrs and affectionate moments that brightened even the hardest days.
Everyone at the shelter, along with DAWG volunteers and members, felt the kindness you showed Willow. Your generosity did more than provide critical medical care — it lifted our spirits and reminded us that compassion for animals is alive and well.
From all of us, thank you. You helped give Willow a second chance and renewed our faith in the goodness of this community.
Daisy Duke Has A Heart Of Gold
After 30 years of helping homeless pets, we thought we had seen just about everything when it came to lifesaving medical care. Then along came Daisy Duke — a one-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound with a sunny personality and irresistible sweetness — and she proved us wrong.
During her intake exam, we discovered Daisy had a serious heart condition. A consultation with cardiologist Dr. Jung revealed she was living with a rare 3rd Degree AV Block, a condition that disrupts the heart’s rhythm. The solution? Something we never imagined for a dog — a pacemaker.
Yes, Daisy Duke received a doggy pacemaker, the same lifesaving technology used for humans with similar heart issues. Thanks to this remarkable intervention, her heartbeat is now steady and strong.
Today, Daisy is thriving — and the happiest news of all is that her foster family has officially become her forever family. We’re told she has a noticeable spring in her step — proof that her new heart rhythm is helping her live life to the fullest.
Daisy came to us from an overcrowded shelter, and once her diagnosis was clear, no one was willing to give up on her. Dr. Jung, her shelter supporters, and DAWG members all rallied behind this special girl — and Daisy seems to know just how loved she is.
Thank you for helping give our sweet girl with a heart of gold the future she deserves.
A brave pup with a new heartbeat and a bright future
Saved just in time and surrounded by love
Small Poppy, Mighty Spirit
Every once in a while, a special animal touches our hearts in a way that stays with us for days, months — even years. A tiny, near-death kitten named Poppy became that animal for many compassionate people.
When Poppy first arrived, she was terrified, dehydrated, and dangerously weak. Employees at a local Target store had heard her cries for days but were unable to catch her. Thankfully, a shelter animal control officer rescued her just in time. From day one, Dr. Kelly Wright and veterinary technician Hana at Mission Hills Pet Care Center provided round-the-clock critical care. Poppy was fighting for her life — and she refused to give up.
Once stable, Poppy moved into the loving home of foster mom Tracy for a long recovery filled with medical care, patience, and gentle lessons in trust.
Tracy recalls,
“At first I mostly talked to Poppy. She wasn’t interested in playing and barely tolerated being petted. But after many shared meals and quiet time together, she slowly learned that humans could be her friends. We celebrated the holidays with her — she even had toys and treats in her stocking just like our own pets. Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but I knew she was ready for her forever home.”
And ready she was.
Today, Poppy is thriving in a loving forever home, complete with a feline companion her own age. From a frightened kitten fighting to survive to a confident young cat surrounded by love, Poppy’s journey is a powerful reminder of what compassion, patience, and teamwork can achieve.
Her Royal Cuteness: Princess
With her gentle kindness toward kids and shelter volunteers – and a smile that reminded many of a certain quirky movie character — no one could help but fall in love with Princess, an 8-year-old Pit Bull with a truly unforgettable look.
Behind her charming personality, Princess arrived needing serious care. She had patches of missing fur, overgrown nails, noticeable weight loss, and a set of unusual teeth that gave her that distinctive grin. It appeared she may have spent long periods confined, even trying to chew her way to freedom.
Princess received comprehensive medical care, including diagnostic testing and an ultrasound to rule out major health concerns. A benign mammary mass was removed, she underwent dental treatment and spay surgery, and her overall health began to improve. As it turns out, her unique teeth don’t currently require removal — they’re simply part of her signature smile.
Through it all, Princess never stopped being gentle, loving, and affectionate. Her sweet spirit shined brighter with every passing day.
The happiest ending? Princess has found her forever home — and she was overjoyed to finally join the family she always deserved.
Big smile, big heart, and a family at last
A wrong turn, determined rescuers, and one unforgettable kitten
A Wild Goose Chase To Save Gooseberry
An accidental wrong turn into a Jack in the Box parking lot sparked an unforgettable rescue journey.
A kind, cat-loving couple noticed a small kitten limping near dense brush. Thinking they might be able to help, they stepped out of their car — but the frightened kitten darted away. It was dark and difficult to see, so they improvised. After grabbing a hamburger patty from the drive-through, they placed small pieces along the edge of the bushes, hoping to lure him out.
Nearly 40 minutes later, the kitten emerged — only to retreat again, clearly starving, scared, and in pain. Realizing he needed professional help, the couple contacted Mission Viejo Animal Services. An officer arrived with a humane trap baited with wet food.
The next morning, the good Samaritans returned. They played kitten meowing videos and heard faint responses from the brush. For three days they tried patiently, finally deciding to search again at night when the area was quieter.
Success.
The kitten — later named Gooseberry — was rushed to Animal Urgent Care. Sadly, his rear leg was too badly damaged to save. DAWG stepped in to provide emergency surgery and medical care, giving Gooseberry the chance to heal and thrive.
And thrive he has.
Unable to stop thinking about the brave little survivor, the rescuers adopted him. Today Gooseberry is fully recovered and living his best life with his new family and two feline companions. According to his adopters, he plays nonstop and acts just like any energetic young kitten — proving that resilience comes in tiny packages.
We’re grateful this wild goose chase for a handsome kitten ended in the happiest way possible.
Otis’s Story: Saved By Love
Otis—lovingly known as Oat, Oaty Woaty, or even Oats MaGoates—has been doing wonderfully since his TPLO surgery, which was provided by Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG). He was lovingly fostered both before and after surgery, giving him the stability and comfort, he needed to heal.
But Otis’s impact reaches far beyond his physical healing.
A gentle giant with a heart full of love, Otis hasn’t met a person or animal he doesn’t adore. He arrived in his foster family’s life during a time of deep loss, after they had to say goodbye to one beloved pet—and then, just weeks later, another. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Otis became a source of comfort, healing, and hope.
“To say he saved us is an understatement,” his family shared. “His unwavering love helped us through our heartache, and we are forever grateful for him.”
Despite limited exercise before and after surgery, Otis has been an absolute dream. He enjoys lounging on the couch, sticking his big head out the window during car rides, chewing on his favorite bone, and soaking up cuddles. He rarely barks—though he does enjoy howling at passing firetrucks—and spends his days watching Dog TV, sunbathing, and proudly monitoring the bunnies in the yard as the household “bunny inspector.”
Otis has been the brightest light in a very difficult year. His foster family has officially adopted this sweet boy, turning his healing journey into a forever love story—made possible through DAWG’s life-altering support.
A gentle giant who healed hearts
and found his forever home
When a shelter cat chooses you, everything changes
Chosen By Tig
Tig’s journey to Mission Viejo Animal Services began when his family could no longer care for him. An enchanting orange tabby with glowing fur and bright, expressive eyes, Tig quickly captured the hearts of everyone he met. Shelter volunteers shared that although he loved lounging on the cat trees, he always chose people over perches—hopping down right away whenever someone came in for cuddles. Tig’s sweet personality made him an instant favorite with shelter staff and volunteers.
As part of DAWG’s commitment to sending pets home healthy, Tig received a full medical exam before adoption. That exam revealed two broken teeth and painful periodontal disease that required tooth extractions.
One day, a family came to the shelter simply to walk around and visit the animals, with no plans to adopt. Then they met Tig, who had other plans.
After that first visit, they returned every day to spend time with him until his dental surgery was complete and the adoption could be finalized.
Now renamed Romeo, he is a complete joy to his family — the perfect name for such a loving, affectionate cat. When it’s time for his dad to come home from work, Romeo waits in the window until he sees him, then races to the front door to give him a warm welcome. He follows his family from room to room and greets them with his adorable, squeaky little meows.
Thanks to your support, DAWG was able to provide Tig — and many other shelter pets — with lifesaving dental care that relieves pain and gives them a true second chance at a healthy, happy life.
Interested in Adopting a Pet Locally
Follow this link for more information on adopting a pet locally in Orange County
Find a Pet to Adopt | City of Mission Viejo
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