This is a blog dedicated to the West Los Angeles shelter dogs. Here you will find useful information on these wonderful adoptable dogs and what type of person might be a good match for them. The main goal of this blog is to encourage more people to adopt shelter dogs! Please support SAAFLA, a non-profit organization that facilitates the rescue of shelter dogs as well as offering education and support to adopters of shelter dogs.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Dog reactivity, is it really such a crime??
Have a look! http://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/is-reacting-really-reactive
Also, poor Lily, the volunteers at WLA have been working so hard with Lily to get her out of harms way. Right now she is IN TROUBLE with TIME RUNNING OUT... You can donate towards her rescue. Contact Mirja at MBishop355@aol.com. Please network her too! Thanks!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Royal, about 15 months old, is a neutered male fawn Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He ended up at the WLA Shelter on Nov. 2nd as a stray. Shortly after, a stranger walked up to his kennel door and stuck his arm in so Royal growled and barked at him -- he didn't bite, but he certainly told the man he didn't appreciate his gesture (like people, dogs don't like everyone they meet). Royal was taken to Isolation and that's where he has lived for almost his entire stay at the shelter.
Shelter staff take Royal out when they can and he got out to run and play with a female PB not too long ago and they had a great time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LojLLOj7Rws
He is STRONG, loves to play, corrects easily (from both human and dog), and sits on command. No reported aggression toward male or female staff at the shelter.
Did Royal get a bad rap for an isolated incident? Meet Royal and judge for yourself!
Please contact Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR
West LA City Shelter, 310-207-3266 Tues-Sat 8-5, Sun 11-5
11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
213-485-0494 / CELL 213-792-5811 ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
Monday, November 21, 2011
PLEASE HELP NETWORK THIS GREAT DOG WHOSE TIME IS RUNNING OUT. $500 PLEDGED SO FAR TO AN APPROVED RESCUE.
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| Kane ID# A1165629 |
Friday, May 6, 2011
Dotty A1158635 @ West LA shelter now -- Wonderful Dotty NEEDS a home today!
I just don't get it!!! How could a dog as cute as I am still be at the animal shelter? I just don't understand. I was found as a stray on Oct. 5, 2010 and was brought to the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter where I still live. Every day I hope that someone will see what a great dog I am and will give me that forever home that I dream about.
I am 2 yrs. old and in the prime of life. I am black and white as you can see from my photograph. They tell me that I am a Border Collie/Dalmatian mix which gives me pretty good credentials wouldn't you say? I have been spayed, of course, so I am ready to go.
There are many volunteers at the shelter who really like me. One of them even calls me a "great dog". Most of the things they say about me are very positive and make me proud. For instance I am described as sweet and easy to handle. I am so happy when I get to play in the yard. I have a lot of energy so I love to run around and stretch my legs. I sit on command and try my best to respond well to correction. I am a pretty strong girl and sometimes will pull on my leash but if you tell me to stop I promise I will try to obey. I am very affectionate especially with people. I get along OK with big dogs but little dogs spook me so it's better that I not be around them. Oh I forgot to tell you that I love treats so I can learn just about anything if there's a treat in it for me.
Now after reading this you must agree that I am a pretty special dog so why am I still here? I don't know but it scares me because I don't want to die in the shelter. I am a good dog who loves people and I would make someone so happy if they would only give me a chance. Please help me! Don't let me die! I need a "forever home".
West LA City Shelter 310-207-3266
Tues-Sat 8-5, Sun 11-5
11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR
Monday, April 11, 2011
A1145097 - Tulip, 8 year old, spayed, Boxer / Staffy Mix. VERY SAD
A1145097 - Tulip, 8 year old, spayed, Boxer / Staffy Mix.
This poor dog was ALMOST OUT OF THE SHELTER but when we went to pull her they found a micro chip! So Tulip was put on hold while they tried to contact her former owner's. But the numbers were disconnected, mail returned and no one that we can find missing Tulip....now that she is available to be pulled her foster falls through!!! On top of it, WLA has a temporary moratorium volunteers walking dogs over 20 lbs so while already stressed, you can imagine what she's going through now. The new hope coordinator at WLA Stated:
SHE IS EXTREMELY STRESSED, LICKING THE BARS OF HER CAGE ALL DAY EVERYDAY. TULIP IS A VERY SWEET AND HAPPY DOG....THEY'VE LISTED HER AS 8 BUT SHE TRULY SEEMS 4-5 AT MOST. SHE HAS A LOT OF LIFE IN HER BUT NO PLACE TO LIVE IT. PLEASE PLEASE CROSSPOST AND NETWORK THIS SWEETHEART!!!
THE ONLY REASON TULIP IS STILL ALIVE AT WLA IS BEAUSE THE SHELTER WAS GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO WAIT WHILE WE ORGANIZED LOGISTICS....BUT NOW WE ARE BACK TO SQUARE ON! TULIP IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF A RESCUE OR PRIVATE ADOPTER!!!!
Samantha Westbrook
New Hope Coordinator / Baby Bottle Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Care Center
11361 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles CA 90064
Shelter: 213 485 0494/ 0495/ 0496
Cell: 213 7925811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 6.30am - 3.30pm
Monday, November 22, 2010
TARA - A1133736 Needs a loving home this time!

I have to be honest with you. I am a very high energy dog so I will need a very special person to be my forever friend. One of the volunteers at the shelter who really likes me fills a can with rocks and if I get too excited and pull too hard on my walks, she rattles the can and I shape up just like that. I really do want to please but I am a happy dog and sometimes I get a little too enthusiastic. If I have a chance to exercise and run around for awhile I become very easy to get along with and have actually been described as "well behaved". Can you imagine that?
I know that if I had a chance to be with someone who really loved me and who was willing to work with me and train me I could be the best dog in the world. I love to have my belly rubbed and my rear end scratched but then what dog doesn't like that. I am used to doing my own thing because I never really had anyone who cared about me and worked with me. I know that if that special person came into my life and loved me like I would love them we could do all kinds of amazing things together. I just need a chance to prove that.
written by Mirja Bishop (LAAS Volunteer)
Samantha Westbrook
New Hope Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Care Center
11361 W. Pico Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90064
Shelter: 213 485 0494/ 0495/ 0496
Cell: 213 7925811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Peewee A1123829 has made it this far, don't let him down now!
A1123829 - Pewee, 7 year old, neutered, Chiweenie (Chihuahua/ Dachshund)
Pewee was surrendered to the shelter by his owner because they were moving!! Poor Pewee has been at the shelter since June 14th 2010!!!! Peewee has a deformed nose which may have played a role in his not finding a home by now. :(
All this little man wants for the Holidays is a home to call his own! His demands are minimal... Just a comfy bed, good food and some love. He doesnt require a four legged friend to be... happy so although he does get along with other dogs, he would be quite happy being the only one getting attention.
As you can see from the pictures, Pewee is very tolerant of getting dressed up and posing for his Holiday pics. There is one thing however that Pewee is not so tolerant of... He hates to be picked up!
Please help Pewee find a home for the Holidays!!!
--
Samantha Westbrook
New Hope Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Care Center
11361 W. Pico Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90064
Shelter: 213 485 0494/ 0495/ 0496
Cell: 213 7925811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bertam A1167529 at South LA Shelter is a one-of-a-kind guy


Bertam (A1167529, 6 years old, already neutered) is a one-of-a-kind guy. Everyone who seems him just has to grin. At 70 pounds, feet a bit deformed so that he appears to be standing in an exaggerated ballet position, Bertram is most unusual. This goofy guy has been in ISO as he has some entropion of the eyes and initial concern about his feet. But, he gets around very well -- and will pull you around the block several times if you let him.
It seems that Bertram is quite probably house-trained as he whines to get outside and do his business. We've had him around a couple of other dogs and seems to be OK. Bertram's space at the shelter is valuable and he needs out quickly!!! If you are ready for unparalleled feet and unparalleled fun, call the South L.A. shelter at (213) 485-0117 or -0119 to save him. And kindly let us know that he is blending into your life.
Many thanks, Andrea & Mindy ivegonetothedogs@gmail.com (323) 363-4909
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Simone has a message: black is beautiful! A1138137
Simone has a message: black is beautiful!by Mirja Bishop (LAAS volunteer)
In shelters across the country black dogs have a difficult time finding forever homes. "Black dog syndrome" where people attach superstitious beliefs onto dogs like Simone results in these dogs frequently being the first ones to be euthanized.
Simone is a great BLACK dog who deserves a good life. She is a 6 yr. old spayed American Staffordshire bull terrier who was found as a stray on August 1, 2010 and now calls the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter her home. Simone was at the Best Friends Super Adoption event
The volunteers who have worked with Simone have nothing but good things to say about her. She is described as being very attentive. She responds well to voice commands. She likes her treats and knows "sit and come". She walks well on leash and loves to play fetch. She is the happiest in the play yard where she can run and be free for a few brief moments. She has met both large and small dogs and has been fine with them. She was recently shown to two different families with children and did very well with both an 8 yr. old and a 10 yr. old child.
A "very great dog" was the comment made by one of the volunteers. Simone would fit into just about any kind of family situation. She is a sweet, friendly, loving dog who happens to be black. Finding a "forever home" before her time at the shelter runs out is her fervent wish and one that everyone who knows Simone hopes comes true.
West LA City Shelter 310-207-3266 Tues-Sat 8-5, Sun 11-5
11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDI NATOR
213-485-0494 / CELL 213-792-5811 aninewhopewla@lacity.org.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
2 GREAT dogs NEED a HOME TODAY: Romeo & Fiona at WLA
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"Great Dog! Great Personality!" were the words used by one of the volunteer trainers in describing Fiona. Fiona is a young tan and white spayed pit bull terrier who was found running around with several other dogs near some stables. She has called the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter her home since June 13, 2010. She is thought to be about 1 1/2 yrs. old. Fiona is a high energy dog who loves to play in the yard. Chasing balls is one of the joys of her life. She does not show well in her shelter environment but once she gets out and experiences a little bit of freedom her true personality shines through. Her wish is to find a "forever" home and a yard of her very own where she could frolic and sniff to her heart's content. Fiona is stronger than she looks and needs leash training but she is a smart girl and would be an ideal candidate for training.
They tell me that my last day is Oct. 14, 2010. I don't understand why that has to be because my lady friends at the shelter both human and doggie think that I am sweet and handsome. Yes I do get along with the ladies! I love, love, love to play ball but you already know that. I'm smart so I know that I will soon learn to "leave it" when I'm told to do that but I do so love that ball. I have a lot of energy so I am the happiest when I can run but my volunteer friends compliment me on how nicely I walk. I'm only 1 1/2 yrs old and I need a chance to make someone happy. I've already been neutered so I'm ready to go to my "forever home" as soon as someone wonderful comes for me. Please help me go home!!!
To Adopt Fiona or Romeo:
11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Contact: Samantha Westbrook, NEW HOPE COORDINATOR
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org.
Friday, October 1, 2010
URGENT: Senior dog Franny at WLA needs a RESCUE today! ID# A1121217


I LOVE LIFE!!! I love to play catch and chase the water!!
I'm 8 but I still feel like a puppy....and the ladies at the shelter used to make me feel so special...
Franny is a beautiful 8 yr. old spayed female tan and white Labrador Retriever mix. She was found as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since June 5, 2010. Franny is a happy dog with the spirit of a puppy. She has a delightful personality and a very gentle temperament. Her tail wags constantly but especially when she is in the yard running or playing ball. She plays a mean game of catch and rarely misses and trying to catch water coming out of a hose is great fun for Franny. She is very easy to walk on leash and knows "sit". Sadly Franny is "rescue only" at this time because of an unfortunate incident where a child managed to stick his finger in her run and Franny bit him. Franny now has to pay the price for a parent's lack of supervision of their child. Franny is a lovely, sweet older dog who deserves to spend the last years of her life in the comfort of a home where she is loved and where someone will play ball with her. Please help Franny find her home.... She is too stressed at the shelter to really know how she is with other dogs so it's best that she is an only dog until a proper assessment can be done.
Frannie ID# A112121711361 W. Pico Blvd Los Angeles 90064
Cell: 213 792 5811
Shelter: 213 485 0494/0495/0496
Hours: Tue-Sat: 8-5, Sun: 11-5, Closed Mondays
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
www.laanimalservices.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The dog days of August.= DOGS IN DANGER!!!



You may not have heard that this time of year is very difficult for shelter animals, especially dogs. It seems like more dogs come in and fewer get out. Everyone is on vacation, out of town and fewer dogs seemed to be rescued.
Over at WLA there are several dogs who are OUT OF TIME and will be killed in the coming weeks. Right now, 3 dogs have a death date of August 29th. Jazz, Donny and Tyler... These poor guys through no fault of their own are going to be victims of the system, if they don't get out this week.
Thanks to Mirja Bishop for the descriptions below...
DONNY - ID#A1110189
Donny is a 3 yr. old unaltered male, black and white American Staffordshire Terrier. He was picked up as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since April 26, 2010. Donny is described as a sweet boy who does well on his walks. He can be "all over the place" until he settles down. He likes to play ball and will exchange the ball for a treat. He is good on leash but has shown some signs of leash aggression. Donny does not like kittens or cats. He has played in the yard with a female dog and been quite friendly but not so with male dogs.
TYLER - ID#A1104733
Tyler is a 6 yr .old unaltered male, black and white Labrador Retriever mix. He was picked up as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since April 3, 2010. Tyler is described as being very intelligent. He corrects very easily when needed. He is easy to walk and shows his gratitude by wagging his tail the entire time. He is very friendly and loves to get treats. He did well when meeting another dog through the fence and is described as being good with other dogs unless they are aggressive towards him. He has shown some food aggression. He needs time and attention and then will connect with his handler. He is described as being a "sweet" dog.
JAZZ - ID#A1106409
Jazz is a 4 yr. old neutered male, brown and white American Staffordshire Terrier. He was picked up as a stray and has been at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter since April 10, 2010. He is described as a sweet boy who is a little timid. He knows "sit" and loves treats. He warms up quickly and enjoys being petted and brushed. He especially likes to have his tummy rubbed. He is described as being "all over the place" when first taken out of his run but is good with recall. He walks well on leash. He enjoys playing catch. He did exhibit a negative reaction to one of the other male dogs.
Contact:
Samantha Westbrook
New Hope / Baby Bottle Coordinator
West Los Angeles Animal Care Center
11361 W. Pico Blvd, LA, CA 90064
Shelter: 213 485 0494/ 0495/ 0496
Cell: 213 792 5811
ani.newhopewla@lacity.org
Monday, July 12, 2010
MIRACLE SURVIVED ONCE -- CAN SHE DO IT AGAIN? SLA URGENT!



Miracle (A1127808, 1 1/2 years old, on alert -- needs out by end of day, Tuesday, July 13th !!! ) arrived at the shelter weighing only 31 pounds with a nasty case of demodex to boot. So fearful, half-dead -- it was a miracle that she survived. Longing to trust people again it took only a few minutes to see this smile brighten her face. And it hasn't left since that time. Miracle is energetic and happy. She has been kenneled alone in ISO, getting extra food and treatment for her skin. She seems fine around other dogs and is super friendly with people. Please look at this face, open you heart, and call the South L.A. shelter at (213) 485-0117 or -0119 to save her.
Kindly let us know as we are very concerned. Many thanks, Andrea & MIndy ivegonetothedogs@gmail.com (323) 363-4909
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
CHELSEA - A1105692 at WLA - She's begging for a break
Chelsea is a very sweet girl. She's big and brawny, but underneath she is a sweet gal who just wants to relax with her favorite friends. Chelsea is large but not difficult to handle. She just assume be with YOU and hang out.Chelsea lived with her family her whole life, but for some reason they didn't or couldn't keep her, we don't know why. She was very distraught when she first arrived at the shelter. It was sad to hear her howl, she sounded so sad and lonely. Luckily, the wonderful WLA volunteers came to the rescue and made Chelsea's time at the shelter bearable. She's doing pretty well, but her time is running out.
Not sure how Chelsea does with other dogs, but she's not reactive to them. I think she would do well in a variety of situations with young or older folks. She's pretty chill.
Poor Chelsea is in BIG trouble at the shelter, she's just been there too long. She's a little older and has some mammary tumors that are operable. Her time is running out and I hate to think of it. She's too nice a girl...
Please share, network and let's find her a home!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Dog of the WEEK!: Isabella ID# A1090024 at WLA NOW!
Featured a few weeks ago, I'm giving Isabella top billing again!http://doggiematchmaker.blogspot.com/2010/04/dog-of-week-isabella-shes-learnin.html
Isabella is a super cute, young dog who now finds herself in trouble... through no fault of her own other than being fearful at the shelter.
A few weeks ago, she was my dog of the week because she has made such strides in the improvement of her behavior. Isabella was afraid during her early days at the shelter so it took her a little while to loosen up and trust her surrounding. Now, she is a very sweet kid who just needs a firm hand to help her be successful. She takes corrections very well and will respond appropriately.
Isabella is very responsive to people. She's a HIGH energy girl, but she also likes to cuddle. Actually, Isabella is pretty sensitive and gets scared sometimes. She will literally hide behind me for safety. She loves to play and get a good belly rub too! Something for everyone!
Moreover, Isabella really loves to play with other dogs. We've introduced her to males (Tiger & Donny) and females (Sadie) and she did fine. I was really impressed with how nicely she plays and how tireless she seems to be! :-)
This kid doesn't deserve to die young. She is totally adoptable and a very cool dog for the RIGHT person. Someone who understands dogs and who can work with her would be ideal. She would be easy to train and a lot of fun to have around as well.
Some cute video of Isabella...more to come I hope! Contact the WLA Shelter if you are interested!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What's matter with Brown Mutts anyway????
My really good friend Katya (www.sheltershopper.com) who loves shelter dogs as much as I do wants to know what the problem is! Her favorite dogs at South LA just happened to be brown. They are super sweet and wonderful. Here is what she has to say about these 3 brown kids who are really on their last day at the shelter!
And then there is Emily- her and Smooch could be twins! You know her story: adopted as a puppy, returned later. Emily is already spayed, only 6 years old, and she's ready for a nice family to belong to. Emily has got SOUL. She is a deep girl and would be the most loyal of friends. Emily has been at SLA too long, and we all want to see her get out safely. She gets along great with her kennelmate- a young pittie sweetheart who has actually helped Emily brighten up! Though she seems to still worry about her fate, in her eyes there is faith that someone will help her. Could it be you? Another brown mutt she is not- Emily has strength and sweetness to give...what a great combo for any home!
I know this plea is long- and I know it's hard to look at 3 dogs all at once. But they have the same story- adult brown mutts who get overlooked every day. How their final chapters end is up to us. Please please please pass this along and network Smooch, Hope, and Emily. This is a chance to let them be ambassadors for brown dogs everywhere, should they get the chance to live. Know anyone looking for a great dog? Thank you for caring and thank you for helping me help them! So far $150 has been donated to help these sweethearts!







