September Spotlights
Chilli
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Chilli’s life began with love and security, but everything changed when his owner faced heartbreaking circumstances. After losing her job and moving to a place that didn’t allow pets, she had no choice but to leave Chilli and his three canine companions at the vet clinic we partner with. She paid a small deposit and said a tearful goodbye. For Chilli, an older dog who had only ever known love, the confusion and sense of loss were overwhelming. That’s when we stepped in to give this sweet senior the care and second chance he deserved.
At the shelter, Chilli quickly showed us just how gentle and affectionate he truly is. Despite the sadness he carried, he had a way of winning hearts with his calm nature and loving presence. He wasn’t the loudest or the most playful of the bunch, but he was always the dog who would quietly sit by your side, happy just to be near. It didn’t take long for everyone on our team to fall in love with him.
Then came the perfect match. Chilli was adopted by a single woman who had been searching for a calm, older companion to share her days with. She wanted a dog who would be just as content to relax at home as she was, and Chilli fit the description perfectly. Now, he has stolen her heart- and her sofa! His huge smile says it all: Chilli is exactly where he’s meant to be, showered with love and enjoying his golden years by his new mom’s side.
Emmy
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Emmy’s story began with hardship, but it’s one that blossomed into love. She first came into our care when her previous owner reached out for urgent help. Unforeseen circumstances required him to leave the country, and with a heavy heart, he entrusted Emmy to us. At the time, she was battling severe e-canis and malnutrition, but with dedicated medical treatment and plenty of love, Emmy made a remarkable recovery.
For a while, there was hope that Emmy would reunite with her owner overseas. She even stayed with Carmen, one of our directors, while preparations were underway. But when plans changed, Emmy’s future became uncertain once again. Still, we never doubted that this beautiful, affectionate girl would find her forever home. At the shelter, she quickly became a favorite. She loved every bit of human interaction, and our students adored her- many of them still ask about her to this day.
Fate had something special in store. A Japanese couple had fallen in love with Emmy from the start but wanted to wait until the right time, as the wife needed to focus on her own health. Once she recovered, they reached out again, hoping Emmy was still waiting, and she was. This time, everything aligned perfectly. Emmy finally went home with the family who had always kept her in their hearts. The best part? Our volunteers and students now spot her happily walking in the park with her new family, tail wagging and face glowing with joy.
Rupert
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Rupert’s journey started in Thao Dien, District 2, when a kind dog walker was stopped by a security guard. The guard asked her to please take the puppy, as he could no longer care for him. With the help of dog trainer Mark O’Connor, Rupert was brought to our vet clinic for a health check. At first, he tested positive for a virus, but with a week of antibiotics and nutrient fluids, the results turned negative and Rupert bounced back to full health.
Once in foster care with Carmen, one of our directors, Rupert grew into a healthy, happy, and very energetic pup. With the body of a Corgi and the face of a Husky, he quickly earned the nickname “Corgski.” Rupert was a bundle of playful energy, always ready for mischief and cuddles, with a personality just as unique as his looks.
His adoption story feels like fate, karma, or maybe just a stroke of luck. During Tet celebrations in District 7, Carmen took Rupert along for a flower photoshoot. As they wandered through the colorful displays, a group of people spotted him. With his short legs and joyful little face, Rupert instantly drew a crowd. A day later, we got the best message — one of the women from that group reached out to adopt him. Even better, Rupert was a surprise for her husband, who couldn’t stop talking about the adorable “Corgski” he had met.
Since then, Rupert has been the apple of his parents’ eye. He’s grown into a beautiful big fluffy boy (still rocking those signature short legs) and is living the happiest life with his forever family.
Every adoption story is made possible because of supporters like you. Help us continue changing lives by sharing this story, following us on social media, considering adoption, or donating to support our rescue work. Together, we can give more dogs the happy endings they deserve.
Alumni Tails
Kem
Introducing Alumni Tails!
Each month, we’ll be checking in with one of our adopted dogs one year after their “gotcha day.” While we’ll continue to celebrate new beginnings, we’re expanding to share what comes after: the journey since adoption, the milestones reached, and the everyday joys of life in a forever home.
To kick things off, we're catching up with Kem, who just celebrated one year with his forever family!
These days, Kem is living his best life, whether he's sprinting through the park, enjoying beach adventures, or curling up for couch naps with his people. True to his name, he never says no to a sweet treat, and he’s happiest when he’s right by his humans' side, following them around the house like the loyal shadow he is. One year on, he's not just settled in; he's thriving, loved, and exactly where he belongs.
“Kem has brought so much joy and calm into our home. Life with Kem is never boring, and we wouldn’t trade his goofy, sweet self for anything. Watching him grow and settle in over the past year has been such a rewarding experience, and we can’t imagine life without him.”
