Urgent and Forgotten Shelter Dogs of Santa Barbara County Shelters

Urgent and Forgotten Shelter Dogs of Santa Barbara County Shelters Hope for the Voiceless Dogs Animal advocate, wife, mom friend

Chewy is ready for his forever home — and this one is very close to my heart. 🐾❤️It has been one year since we got Chewy...
06/19/2026

Chewy is ready for his forever home — and this one is very close to my heart. 🐾❤️

It has been one year since we got Chewy. One year of training, structure, patience, progress, and believing in a dog who just needed the right people to help him.

Chewy is a smart, affectionate rescue dog with a big heart and a protective nature. When we first got him, the world was overwhelming. Cars, bikes, airplanes, people walking by — almost anything could set him off. He was not a bad dog. He was a dog who needed guidance, safety, and consistent training.

Thanks to John Sorosky of K-911 Animal Rescue, Chewy has come such a long way. John has been training him, boarding him, working with him, and giving him the structure he needed to become the dog he is today. I have also been co-fostering and handling Chewy, and I can honestly say this dog is very special.

John has helped so many dogs like Chewy. He does so much behind the scenes that most people never see — taking in dogs who need training, helping them decompress, working through fear or reactivity, giving them structure, and giving them a real chance at a safe future. That kind of work takes time, patience, skill, and a huge heart.

Chewy has been working on focus, leash manners, calm exposure, and learning how to recover when something surprises him. This is what real rescue work looks like, not overnight miracles, but steady, humane progress.

Chewy’s perfect home would be with an experienced dog person who understands strong, loyal, protective dogs and wants to continue the progress he has made. He would love a big yard, property, or a ranch-style home where he has space and purpose. His dream job might be squirrel patrol. 🐿️

Chewy does get along with other dogs, but if you asked him, he would probably choose to be the only dog. He is not a fit for cats or small children, but he loves teenagers and adults. He is affectionate, loyal, smart, and bonds deeply with the people he trusts.

Chewy is not looking for just any home. He is looking for the right person — someone who sees the dog he has become and wants to give him the forever home he has worked so hard for.

Chewy would not be here if it wasn’t for John Sorosky and K-911 Animal Rescue. They gave him training, boarding, structure, and a real second chance.

Please watch, share, and help us find Chewy his person.

For a meet and greet, please text me: (805) 452-5646

And if you want to support John and the work K-911 does for dogs like Chewy, please come to the Tacos Fest fundraiser on June 28 in Lompoc. It’s a wonderful way to support the rescue, meet the community, and help more dogs get the training and second chance they deserve.

To support K-911 Animal Rescue's ongoing work, please donate here:
https://k911animalrescue.org/

A huge thank you to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center for pulling him from the SBCAS Shelter and saving his furry black a--!

06/18/2026

🐾❤️ Buddy is safe because people cared.

Just days ago, this 8-month-old puppy was facing euthanasia. Thanks to SPARC, Breanna Aguilera, and everyone who shared his story, he now has a second chance.

We’ve raised $800 toward our $2,000 goal and still need $1,200 for Buddy’s training, care, and future adoption.

If you can help, even $25 makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please share.

💙 Zelle: (805) 656-2257
💙 PayPal

Thank you for helping Buddy write a new chapter. ❤️🐾

06/16/2026

I’m very sad to report that Choco was euthanized. 😭😭😭 Rip 🌈

06/16/2026

REHOMING YOUR PET OR TRYING TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE!

At SPARC, we get calls daily for help with rehoming, but as we’re always at full capacity, we can only advise on ways to help find them a new home. It’s the responsibility of the petparent to find the best, safest home possible, here are a few helpful ideas to find alternatives or to help you find the right home for your pet.

Taking your animal to a shelter should be your last resort, because even shelters that call themselves “No-kill” may euthanize your dog for space, illness, or behavior issues.

Have you really explored all options for keeping your pet? Don’t give up!

a). Would a temporary FOSTER home or boarding kennel give you time to find an option for rehoming?
b) If you can’t afford a vet bill, try GoFundMe to raise funds and share with all of your friends. Animal lovers understand how expensive vet bills can be and may be happy to help.

You can also Google “GRANTS FOR PERSONAL PETS MEDICAL,” which may help you financially with vet bills.

c) Having trouble affording dog food at the moment? Try pet pantries. Many shelters can help.

d). A lot of people say they’re too busy for their dog. Try a dog-walking service to walk your pet during the day a few times per week. Or a doggy daycare. Dogs generally sleep most of the time you’re at work, and they can’t wait to see your smiling face when you return home

If you feel you must still rehome your pet after trying the options above:

FIRST, list your pet here: https://rehome.adoptapet.com/rehome-my-dog/california

2. Post them on Next Door in areas you’d like your dog to live, with a great photo and brief bio about your pet. The better the photo, the more helpful it is in getting your animal adopted home. Always be sure that the pet’s eyes can be seen clearly.

3. If your dog is a specific breed, Google rescues for that breed in California and neighboring states and email them a clear, well-lit photo and a short description of your pet, asking if they can rescue or at least post on their website and/or page.

4. Post your dog on your page and Instagram (and ask people to SHARE!) Also, email a photo and short bio to SPARC ([email protected]), and we will share your post on our Facebook.

5. Print posters and get permission from pet stores and feed stores to post in their window or on their boards.

6. Download an adoption application from SPARC’s website and have interested parties fill it out for you. That way, you will know more detailed information about the potential adopter and whether they might be a good match for your pet.

7. DO charge a small adoption fee of at least $20.

8. Always provide a contact number (preferably) or email address. Be sure to monitor those and try to get back to the interested party as quickly as you can.

9. If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, get that done as soon as possible. There are plenty of low-cost clinics, but waiting lists for those can be long. Pets should be vaccinated upt to date, too.

06/16/2026

UPDATE JUNE 17-2026 🐾❤️ BUDDY IS SAFE — BUT WE STILL NEED HELP - please donate and share ❤️🐾

Buddy is only 8 months old, and just days ago, he was scheduled to lose his life. Thanks to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, Breanna Aguilera, and everyone who helped us move quickly, Buddy is now safe.
But saving him was only the first step.

I made a commitment to raise $2,000 so Buddy could be pulled, trained, cared for, and given a real chance at the life he deserves. Breanna, SPARC’s head trainer, has generously agreed to work with Buddy personally and help him become ready for a loving home.
Now I need help keeping that promise.
I’ve raised $150 and we have a ways to go!!!

Every donation — $20 or 25, $50, anything — helps cover Buddy’s rescue, training, care, and placement. This sweet puppy already beat the deadline. Now we need to make sure his second chance is fully supported.

Donations can be sent directly to Breanna Aguilera:
�• Zelle: +1 (805) 656-2257�• PayPal:
If you can’t donate, please share. Someone in your community may be able to help.

Thank you for caring, sharing, and DONATING!!! And helping Buddy stay safe. ❤️🐾



🚨 URGENT DEADLINE — JUNE 21 🚨�SAVE BUDDY — HE IS STILL A PUPPY!�Buddy ID
ADOPT • SHARE • TAG RESCUES
Buddy is an affectionate, intelligent 8-month-old neutered male German Shepherd mix at Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Santa Maria, CA.
🐶 Animal ID: A550097�📍 Location: Santa Maria Shelter�🎂 Age: Approx. 8 months�⚖️ Weight: 51 lbs�📅 At shelter since: May 29, 2026
Buddy loves people, seeks attention, takes treats gently, and is highly food motivated. He already knows sit, down, and paw, learns quickly, and thrives with positive, reward-based training.
✅ Affectionate�✅ Social�✅ Friendly with handlers�✅ Intelligent�✅ Eager to learn�✅ Food motivated�✅ Knows basic commands�✅ Full of potential
Buddy is a young working-breed puppy who needs structure, exercise, guidance, and help with manners and impulse control.
Because he can be energetic, jumpy, and mouthy when excited, he needs an experienced Shepherd/working-breed owner, rescue, or trainer-supported adopter.
Best fit:�• Adult-only home or older dog-savvy teens�• No cats or small animals�• Experienced working-breed owner�• Someone committed to training, exercise, and structure
📍 Santa Barbara County Animal Services — Santa Maria Shelter�548 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria, CA 93455�📞 (833) 422-8413�📧 [email protected]
⏰ Deadline: June 21�Please share urgently. Buddy deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed. 🐾

06/16/2026

🚨 URGENT DEADLINE — JUNE 21 🚨�SAVE BUDDY — HE IS STILL A PUPPY!�Buddy ID
ADOPT • SHARE • TAG RESCUES
Buddy is an affectionate, intelligent 8-month-old neutered male German Shepherd mix at Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Santa Maria, CA.
🐶 Animal ID: A550097�📍 Location: Santa Maria Shelter�🎂 Age: Approx. 8 months�⚖️ Weight: 51 lbs�📅 At shelter since: May 29, 2026
Buddy loves people, seeks attention, takes treats gently, and is highly food motivated. He already knows sit, down, and paw, learns quickly, and thrives with positive, reward-based training.
✅ Affectionate�✅ Social�✅ Friendly with handlers�✅ Intelligent�✅ Eager to learn�✅ Food motivated�✅ Knows basic commands�✅ Full of potential
Buddy is a young working-breed puppy who needs structure, exercise, guidance, and help with manners and impulse control.
Because he can be energetic, jumpy, and mouthy when excited, he needs an experienced Shepherd/working-breed owner, rescue, or trainer-supported adopter.
Best fit:�• Adult-only home or older dog-savvy teens�• No cats or small animals�• Experienced working-breed owner�• Someone committed to training, exercise, and structure
📍 Santa Barbara County Animal Services — Santa Maria Shelter�548 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria, CA 93455�📞 (833) 422-8413�📧 [email protected]
⏰ Deadline: June 21�Please share urgently. Buddy deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed. 🐾

06/13/2026

Are you looking for a dog who is protective, smart, loyal, and cuddly?

Chewy might be your dog.

Maybe you are an experienced dog owner who lives alone and wants a companion who makes you feel safe, loved, and never alone.

Maybe you have a large property and want a confident, intelligent dog who will walk the land with you, notice everything, and then come inside at night to sleep by your bed.

Maybe you miss having that once-in-a-lifetime dog who bonds deeply and looks at you like you are his whole world.

Maybe you want a dog who is strong and protective, but also affectionate, tender, and deeply loving with the people he trusts.

That is Chewy.

WHAT IS THERE NOT TO LOVE?

Chewy is:

✅ Trained
✅ Loyal
✅ Protective
✅ Affectionate
✅ Smart
✅ Obedient
✅ Strong
✅ Confident
✅ Deeply loving with the people he trusts

Chewy is one of those dogs who gets into your heart.

He bonds deeply. He wants to belong. He wants a person. He wants a home.
If you are AN EXPERINCED dog owner looking for a loyal companion who will love you, watch over you, and curl up next to you, Chewy might be your guy.

He has had a full year of training, structure, consistency, and love.
He is not starting from zero.
He knows how to listen.
He knows how to follow guidance.
He has worked so hard.
And we are so proud of him.

Chewy does need an experienced dog owner or handler someone who understands strong, intelligent dogs and will continue the structure that has helped him thrive.

Preferably, we would love to find someone in the Santa Barbara area because John and I will be there to support Chewy and his adopter for the first year.

We want this to be successful for everyone.

The truth is, part of the reason Chewy has not been adopted yet is because we love him so much.

We are protective of him, just as much as he is protective of us.
We do not want him going to just anyone.

Secretly, I wish I could adopt him myself. I really do. But for many reasons, I can’t.

Chewy is not for just anyone.

He is for the person who looks at him and says:
“That’s my dog.”

Please share him. His person has to be out there.
For more information or to meet Chewy, please text me: 805-452-5646

06/08/2026

Please donate to help pay for materials for our shelter dogs newly renovated Play Yards and Adoption Meet & Greet Areas! The Santa Barbara County Animal Services shelters are desperately underfunded. Without K-9 PALS and YOUR SUPPORT, the shelter dogs cannot have the quality life they need and deserve while waiting to be adopted! Donations are greatly appreciated by paypal, venmo, credit card or check! THANK YOU FOR DONATING!

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Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
93111

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10am - 5pm

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+18054525646

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