SHADOW

Our first rescue—and our greatest teacher.

She was a stray living in a populated area broken up by isolated patches of forest, moving quietly and leaving very little behind. Most people had already given up on the mysterious black dog who seemed impossible to catch. But with the help of one compassionate individual who consistently shared sightings, we began to see a pattern.

Over months of studying her movements through reports, searches, and surveillance, we slowly narrowed her range. We established a routine, carefully placing a feeding station exactly where she felt safest. Eventually, with equal parts planning and nerves, we built our own Missy trap and prepared to set it. We knew one failed trigger could undo all the trust and patience we had worked so hard to earn.

Looking back now, with the experience we’ve gained since, we could have brought Shadow in much sooner. But in those early days, Shadow had a lot to teach us—and she took her time doing it.

Then, very late one night, the cellular camera notification came through. The dog who had spent most of her life alone, surviving on the streets and in the woods, was finally ready. Shadow was in the trap.

We brought her home for rehabilitation and decompression, and during that process, she became something more than a rescue. Shadow became family. She was our first success story, our proof that patience works—and she remains our poster girl and mascot to this day.

AXL

A Permanent Place In Our Hearts

We received a tip about a stray dog lingering in a rural area quite a distance from us. With the help of a kind witness and some early information, we made the decision to try. We drove out, assessed the area, chose the best possible location, and set the Missy trap. Cameras were placed, everything checked twice, and we headed back home to wait.

We didn’t make it far.

About twenty minutes into the return trip, the alert came through—Axl was in. We turned around immediately. As we drove back, we monitored the camera feed, growing increasingly concerned when it began to malfunction. By the time we reached the trap site, we understood why.

This big, handsome pittie had completely destroyed the cellular camera, pulled the sensor wiring into the trap, and absolutely shredded it—and he had plenty to say about the whole situation.

What followed wasn’t a quick win, but the beginning of a long, careful process of building trust. Axl had clearly been mistreated by whoever dumped him in that rural area, and the trauma showed itself as severe aggression.

Despite that, he bonded almost instantly with Chelsea—deeply, loyally, and without hesitation. For the first time, he had someone who was his.

Sadly, Axl’s health declined and his aggression worsened beyond what rehabilitation could safely overcome. The decision was heartbreaking, but unavoidable.

Though it may seem contrary, Axl’s story is still a success. He crossed the rainbow bridge having finally known safety, devotion, and love—things he had been denied for far too long. Even if it was brief, it mattered.

Rest in peace, big guy. 🖤