K9 Paw Print Rescue

Welcome Kara! She is still pretty out of it from surgery but happy to be in a foster home tonight to heal after quite the procedures. She was a bit of a scared hot mess when she came into the shelter but she lucked out thanks to a team effort of a wonderful foster home who stepped up and some shelter workers and volunteers who all came together to advocate to help her. She came from the Martinez Shelter who helped us get her some much needed medical care! This little lady was found as a stray running loose in the street, was timid and very scared and unsure at first, but with a little patience and kindness, her sweet, gentle personality started to shine. Today, the veterinary team removed several painful teeth and a mass from her body, helping her feel much more comfortable.

We’re so excited for this next chapter in her life. She has a little healing to do first, but after everything she’s been through, she’s finally getting the love and care she deserves.

It truly takes a village. Thank you to everyone who advocates, fosters, donates, volunteers, and supports rescue. Dogs like Kara remind us exactly why we do this. ❤️🐾 contracostanimalservices CCAS

🐾 A photo that probably doesn’t look like a big deal to most people…

But for Sir Bones, it is.

When a dog has been through the level of neglect, deprivation, and starvation that Sir Bones experienced, the effects don’t magically disappear once they gain weight. The physical healing is often the easiest part.

The reality is that Sir Bones is a lot of work.

He came with a tremendous amount of baggage, behavioral challenges, and safety concerns that require careful management every day. He missed out on experiences and socialization that help dogs learn how to navigate the world safely, and severe starvation changes dogs in ways many people don’t realize.

Progress with other animals has been measured in baby steps, not giant leaps.

That’s why this photo matters.

What looks like two dogs calmly sharing a bed is actually a huge milestone for him.

On top of everything else, he has battled ongoing stomach issues since coming into rescue. He’s undergone surgeries, needed extensive veterinary care, medications, diagnostics, and more support than most people realize to get him where he is today. It’s been a long road, and anyone familiar with Great Danes knows how sensitive they can be.

Thankfully, he is finally doing much better, and we’re hopeful that if he continues to stay stable and healthy, he’ll be able to get neutered soon.

The good news is that he’s exactly where he needs to be. His foster mom knows giant breeds inside and out and has poured her heart into helping him heal, rebuild confidence, and learn how to simply be a dog again.

And none of this would have been possible without our village.

To everyone who donated, shared his story, cheered him on, and helped us provide the surgeries, medications, and veterinary care he needed—thank you. You are a huge part of why this boy is still here and continuing to make progress.

Is he “fixed?” Not even close.

Does he still have a long road ahead? Absolutely. But healing isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

For Sir Bones, this picture represents trust, safety, patience, and countless small victories that most people will never see.
We’re incredibly proud of you, big guy. 💙