Today's Rescue - Volunteer Favorites

It's tough being an animal-shelter volunteer - so many dogs, so little time, too few adoptions. A handful of the women who donate their time to the South L.A. shelter regularly post their favorites on online community boards (which is how I found out about the lovely Rita), and their pleas are invaluable: not only do they include pictures that are actually in focus, they also provide character information that you couldn't possibly ascertain from a short stroll down the shelter aisles. Plus, having interacted with so many dogs over time, they often can spot a true diamond in the rough.

Here are a few from today's Ashley and Hobie board:

This is Anna Nicole - she's a purebred 8-year-old wooly malamute who came in so matted and filthy, the vet couldn't tell if she was male or female. She endured seven hours of grooming (by the volunteer who wrote her plea), patient and cooperative, a sweet, gentle girl who was obviously overfed, but shockingly neglected.

ID#: A872931

This shy 4-year-old shepherd mix has a broken leg that needs treatment ASAP. Her name is Shadow and although she is probably in a considerable amount of pain, she is apparently very sweet and affectionate.

ID#: A871344

This cute muzzle is a male, 2-year-old dachshund mix currently in isolation because the skin on his back is so dry it's cracking. He has almost no fur left. But he tested negative for mange, so all he needs is some good lovin and some healthy meals before he's back to normal.

ID#: A870560

And this is Granny. I've seen a few posts about her - a 14-year-old redlisted pit bull mix with a very sweet disposition. She really deserves a nice home to live out the last years of her life. Just look at that face! $250 in donations towards her rescue is available. (contact: critters911@gmail.com)

ID#: A864167

Top photos:
Red the 8-year-old golden retriever/bloodhound at North Central. He is being networked by an individual who can't adopt him herself, but who is offering $200 to a rescue group to foster him. Red has arthritic hips and is in ISO sleeping on cement, but is a happy guy when he gets to sit on the grass outside. He shows signs of being housebroken and gets along with other dogs. (contact: missmatsui@aol.com)

ID#: A860749

South L.A. Shelter
3612 11th Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90018
213.485.0117 (or 0119, 0227, 0303) - direct lines

North Central Shelter
3201 Lacy St.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
213.485.5767 - direct line

For more information, go to www.laanimalservices.com