Imagine living in dirty conditions in South Central LA, wondering when your next meal would come while you and your sibling slowly wither away from starvation. That’s what happened to two dogs recently rescued by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.
Popeye and Sweetpea are Boxer/American Bulldog mixes who were seized by LA Animal Control because their owner kept them in horrifying conditions. When they arrived at the South Central Animal Shelter, Sweetpea weighed only 37 pounds and her brother, Popeye, only 44 pounds, which is half of what they should weigh. Who knows how long these gentle dogs endured such malice and how they survived. Their owner was charged with cruelty to animals, but the poor dogs had nowhere to go.
The sweet siblings quickly became favorites of the LA shelter staff, which put out the word for someone to rescue them. Brynn Lavison, Animal Services Supervisor at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, answered that call (with permission from the center’s management), and the dogs were transferred to Mission Viejo.
“It is truly a testament to the nature of dogs that these two were still so friendly and sweet after all they had endured,” Brynn said. “Popeye, such a handsome boy, is all charm, leaning into you, giving his paw for a shake, and trying to climb on you like a big lap dog. Sweetpea, with her enduring under-bite, is quick to sit and will roll over for belly rubs. Everyone at the shelter who met these two was surprised by their gentle, sweet nature and capacity for forgiveness.”
Sweetpea and Popeye’s story would not be complete without a happy ending that included a young couple who saw them on the Internet and instantly fell in love. That admiration was strengthened even more after they met the dogs. The adoption was finalized three days later.
“These two amazing dogs were given a second chance at a wonderful life, and these young people were given their first ‘kids,’” Brynn said.
For more information about the loving animals available for adoption, call 949-470-3045 or visit cmvas.org. The center is located at 28095 Hillcrest.
I can only imagine what those beautiful dogs had to endure! Thank you Brynn for helping to save their lives and getting them the heck out of LA. And to the wonderful couple who’ve adopted them into their home…I hope they bring you many years of love and happiness!! And may their previous “owners” get what they deserve, one way or another.
Way to go, guys!
Super job on helping these big lugs. It was such fun watching them play together at the shelter. Brynn you not only rescued them but you gave the volunteers lots of tips on how to help them adjust to life at the shelter. We have received an update from the new owners telling us how much fun they are having with their new dogs, along with a picture of them napping together looking happy and relaxed. Thanks Brynn for making sure these guys got a second chance for a great new life.