Last month, a call reached dog rescuer Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, and instantly tugged at her heartstrings. Suzette has handled countless cases of stray dogs around Los Angeles, California, but this one felt different.
Instead of wandering through streets for food, this small dog went door-to-door, peering into people’s yards, hoping someone might offer her something to eat.
“For over a month, she would beg at homes for food, looking through gates with pleading eyes,” Suzette shared on Facebook.
A Call for Help
From the moment Suzette saw a picture of the little pup gazing through a gate, she knew she had to step in. Reaching out to her friend and loyal volunteer, Mary Nakiso, she prepared to head to the pup’s last known location without delay.
Within hours, Suzette and Mary managed to locate the dog, who they later named Makena. Together, they worked tirelessly to coax Makena into a trap they’d set up nearby. They were just on the verge of success when an unkind neighbor suddenly interfered, ruining their progress.
“We were there for 5 hours, and she was almost in my trap when a rude neighbor stomped on the trap so hard that Makena panicked and dashed away,” Suzette shared.
Makena disappeared into the night, leaving Suzette, Mary, and the familiar neighborhood behind. It was a frustrating setback for the team, and as the darkness deepened, they reluctantly called it a night, resolving to return first thing in the morning.
A Second Chance with a New Friend
As luck would have it, the next day brought a glimmer of hope. Makena was spotted once again in the area, this time visiting a kind neighbor named Janet, who left a bowl of food and water out for her new furry friend.
“Janet was putting out food and water for her, and Makena began to rely on it,” Suzette explained. “Then, last night, Janet called me and said, ‘She’s following me everywhere I go with my dog.’”
Seeing how comfortable Makena felt with Janet, Suzette knew this was the chance she’d been waiting for.
“This is it,” she thought. “Usually, Makena would sprint away like a flash if anyone approached, but tonight felt different.”
With urgency in her heart, Suzette rushed over to Janet’s house. With help from a next-door neighbor who offered his yard, they created a plan. Janet’s calming presence worked wonders, and minutes later, Makena trailed her into the neighbor’s yard. Though they’d set up a trap, they didn’t even need it this time.
“We got her in a corner, and this kind man was able to pick her up,” Suzette recounted gently. “I cried tears of joy the entire way back to the car.”
Safe at Last
After countless attempts, Makena was finally safe and sound in Suzette’s car, en route to the vet. Suzette initially placed her in a crate to help her relax, but she soon decided to pull over and moved Makena up to the front seat instead.
“She snuggled right into the blankets on the seat,” Suzette shared. “I glanced over and saw her little nose peeking out from under the blankets. Her long journey of loneliness was over, and she knew it.”
The emotional moment when Suzette saw Makena’s nose poking out brought her to tears. She was finally safe and beginning to understand she was loved. At Camino Pet Hospital, Makena received a full checkup and a warm bath, which helped her feel even more at ease.
Thankfully, the vet declared Makena healthy and cleared her for foster care. Before long, she found a temporary home, where she’s been blossoming ever since.
Makena still needs a forever family, but for now, she’s relishing every moment with her foster family. After weeks of fending for herself, this sweet pup can finally rest in a safe and loving environment.
“Makena is such a sweetheart,” Suzette shared. “Now she can finally rest easy, sleeping with both eyes closed after enduring so much.”
With a bit of luck and endless dedication, Suzette, Mary, and kind-hearted neighbors like Janet gave Makena a second chance.