For many dog rescuers, saving animals is a life mission filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Sadly, not all rescue operations share this noble intent—some exploit animals for profit.
When The Animal Pad, a rescue organization based in San Diego, California, learned about over 300 dogs living in squalid conditions under the guise of a “rescue,” they sprang into action.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
Upon arrival, the rescuers were horrified by what they saw. Hundreds of dogs were crammed into a filthy, overcrowded space without proper food or care.
Amid this chaos, they discovered a defenseless black dog curled up in the drum of an old washing machine.
This poor dog, later named My Girl, was in a dire state—weak, sick, and utterly hopeless. She refused to eat or drink, her spirit seemingly broken.
A Community Comes Together
Erica, the director of The Animal Pad and a producer at The Dodo, and her dedicated team worked tirelessly to rescue all 397 dogs from the horrific conditions.
The community rallied behind them, flooding the organization with support and adoption applications.
“I was three hours away at the rescue while other directors were sending me videos of taking care of all these dogs. I was really watching people save these dogs’ lives in real-time,” Erica shared.
My Girl’s Battle to Survive
My Girl’s journey to recovery wasn’t easy. She tested positive for distemper, a severe and often fatal disease.
Immediate hospitalization and intensive care were her only chance.
The team sang The Temptations’ “My Girl” to her daily, inspiring her name and lifting her spirits.
With tender loving care and expert treatment, My Girl began to heal, her body regaining strength and her spirit slowly coming alive.
A Remarkable Transformation
In just 41 days, My Girl’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous. Her once frail frame now carried an energetic and playful dog, full of life and love.
Her sweet personality and unbreakable spirit shone through as she started to come out of her shell.
My Girl became a star at adoption events, charming everyone she met.
A Forever Home Found
The turning point came when a volunteer agreed to foster My Girl. The true magic happened, however, when she met his parents.
“It was love at first sight,” Erica recalled. The bond was instant, and My Girl quickly found her forever home with her foster family.
A Life of Joy and Freedom
My Girl now lives her best life with her loving pawrents and a canine sibling.
After enduring captivity and neglect, she has a spacious property to explore, a family to adore her, and endless opportunities for zoomies.
“She can run around on their huge property. She gets zoomies all day long. And most importantly, she’s taken care of and incredibly healthy,” Erica said.
My Girl’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the power of compassion.
After overcoming unimaginable hardships, she now enjoys a life filled with love, care, and freedom.