While running errands in Chino Hills, California, Stephanie Castillo stumbled upon a heartbreaking sight she couldn’t ignore. Right outside the entrance of Priceless Pet Rescue, seven dogs were crammed into a small cage, abandoned without any explanation or caretaker in sight. “My heart sank the moment I saw them,” Castillo shared with The Dodo. “I knew I couldn’t just walk away.”
The dogs appeared frightened and uncomfortable, their tiny enclosure offering no room for them to move or stretch. Unsure of their origins or how long they had been there, Castillo immediately contacted Priceless Pet Rescue to report the situation. Unfortunately, the rescue was closed for the day, leaving the dogs vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance.
Determined to help, Castillo stayed with the abandoned dogs, offering them what comfort she could while brainstorming how to ensure their safety. Her quick thinking and compassion turned a distressing scene into the first step toward the dogs’ recovery and a brighter future.
Looking at the condition of the dogs, Castillo quickly realized they couldn’t wait for the shelter to open. “It was clear they had been there for a while. They were sitting in their own waste, panting heavily … and one of them, a blind senior dog, was in especially poor condition,” she explained. Time was running out, and the rising heat added to her urgency. When she contacted her local Humane Society, they informed her it might take hours to send help.
Fearing for the dogs’ wellbeing as the day grew hotter, Castillo made a split-second decision. “I couldn’t just leave them like that,” she said. “So I brought them home with me.”
Once home, Castillo carefully released the seven dogs from their cramped cage, and it was immediately clear how much they needed help. They were dehydrated, hungry, and visibly shaken. “You could see the fear and exhaustion in their eyes,” Castillo recalled. She did her best to comfort and care for them until the Humane Society arrived later that day.
The Humane Society team gave the dogs medical attention, providing much-needed care and vaccinations. After stabilizing the group, they transferred the pups to Priceless Pet Rescue’s Costa Mesa facility, where they could begin their journey to finding new homes.
Now available for adoption, the dogs were given new names: Hal, Reese, Dewey, Francis, Malcolm, Lois, and Rudy. Though they’ve endured so much hardship, they’re finally getting the chance to find the loving families they deserve.
“These dogs have gone through so much uncertainty, but their spirits remain intact,” Priceless Pet Rescue shared on their website. Heather Gameros, the rescue’s adoption manager, added that two of the dogs have already found homes. The other five are still waiting, but hopefully, their forever families will find them soon.
“They truly deserve a fresh start,” Castillo reflected. “With love and care, these dogs can live full and happy lives.” Check out the video below to see their rescue story.
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@scastiii999 These innocent dogs were abandoned and stuffed in a tiny cage. Seven dogs in a cage the size of one small dog. If you live in Souther California and have a loving heart and home, please consider adopting one of these babies. They are currently located at Priceless Pets in Costa Mesa, California. #dogrescue #adoptme #adoptadog #puppyrescue ♬ Love Is Gone (feat. Dylan Matthew) (Acoustic) – SLANDER, Dylan Matthew
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H/T The Dodo
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