An elderly man sits at a patio, smiling while hugging two small dogs (a white-brown chihuahua and a tan chihuahua) on his lap, in an outdoor garden.

BELLA & GLORIA

Adopted May 26, 2020

It was love at first sight. Ray came by the kennel to see Bella and Gloria just after AALOC limited access due to the Covid-19 virus. All Ray was able to do was see the two sweet dogs through the fence… nevertheless he fell in love. Ray waited almost two months before the dogs could arrive at his house – but he never gave up hope. Their homecoming started with a loving and creative sign, proudly posted on the front door. It said Hello Bella, Hello Gloria… Welcome Home. Love You Already!

There is no doubt these two dogs that were surrendered as a bonded pair have found their forever home and will be loved to the moon and back. You can just see it on the family’s faces – Ray, his son Phil, daughter-in-law Meifang and grandkids Cece, Eric, Lulu and Grace. Ray may have a little competition for Bella and Gloria’s attention when his grandchildren come by. No problem there; Bella and Gloria have plenty of licks and love to share.

AALOC recently received a postcard from Bella and Gloria - now named Brownie and Shorty. It was addressed to Lil Squirt, Pretty Girl and all the other dogs still at AALOC. The message sent was: "Hey there to all our old "cell mates." Things are going great here on the "outside." We've got it made - our new Papa loves us like crazy. He tells everybody: 'My heart is full from top to bottom, to be precise I'm glad I got 'em!' Thanks to all of your loving staff for making it possible. XXXOO, Signed Gloria (nwo Brownie) and Bella (now Shorty)"

Thank you Ray for choosing these two adorable dogs. We are all so excited Bella and Gloria have a new home with you and your family. Your postcard brought a smile to our faces and a warm feeling to our heart knowing Brownie and Shorty have such a loving owner. We're so glad you got 'em too!

A man in a blue cap and red bandana sits on a sidewalk with a small fluffy white dog on a leash, both outdoors in sunny grass.

SCRAPPY

Adopted May 23, 2020

Two great AALOC dogs and two amazing owners, Randy and Liz.

The story begins several years ago when Randy and Liz adopted Christie, a black female, poodle mix. They decided they needed a brother companion for Christie and came back to AALOC choosing Scrappy, a white terrier mix. Early indicators are very favorable: Scrappy and Christie look like they will be best buddies. One thing's certain: there couldn't be two pooches more lucky than Christie and Scrappy, to have Randy and Liz as pet parents. Thank you so much for taking these two dogs home!

A fluffy white dog leans in to kiss a woman in a red shirt on a couch, while another dog watches nearby, indoors by windows.
A small scruffy white terrier mix stands on a porch, wearing a collar, with a sofa, blankets, and a green plastic sled nearby, sunlight in the background.

PENNY

Adopted February 22, 2020

Penny was zipped into a small canvas bag and then stuffed into a feral cat trap that was on AALOC’s front porch late one cold, winter afternoon. Thankfully she was found by an AALOC staff member coming in for a late shift that night. It’s truly a miracle she didn’t suffocate. How the owner could have left her without any concern is unbelievable. Perhaps it was for the best since Penny now has a new home, a wonderfully, loving new owner - Linda, and two brand new doggie brothers - Ricky and Scooter.

AALOC is Orange County's oldest no-kill rescue/kennel and has been supported by donations and volunteers for many years. Linda, Penny's new owner, is one of those individuals. She has been a friend to the kennel for over 20 years and was one of AALOC's early dog walkers. We can't thank Linda enough for the support she has provided for decades and her volunteer efforts, and are so happy Penny is now a part of Linda's fur family!

Here's a recent text from Linda: "Penny is doing great. She slept all night and is getting along great with the boys. She is a sweetie."

We just love Happy Tails! Thank you Linda for taking Penny home!

A couple with a dog, smiling and posing on the driveway next to a car, holding the dog. Ends with a period.

POE

Adopted February 2, 2020

Talk about a rough start. Poe, a full-bred English bulldog puppy, was adopted by a young owner from a “rescue” in a shopping mall for a large sum of money. Immediately Poe began to show signs he was not well, even though he had supposedly been cleared for adoption by a vet. Poe was diagnosed with a very serious case of pneumonia and it took weeks to cure him. The new owner could have returned the puppy to cancel her contract but she was fearful the “rescue” would not try to save Poe’s life. Unfortunately Poe’s treatment was too expensive for the new owner so she surrendered him to AALOC.

Poe's new family is McKenzie, Brandon and Yogurt, another bulldog. McKenzie and Brandon brought Yogurt to visit Poe at AALOC and they got along fabulously. That sealed the deal and Poe had a new home. When McKenzie and Brandon came to pick him up, Poe was super excited about starting his new life and playing again with Yogurt. In a recent note from Poe's new parents they said: "The boys are doing great!" The photos sent show Poe (now renamed Oatmeal) and Yogurt are fast becoming besties!

What a truly lovely family this is! Poe's life may have had a tough start but he's on his way to a happily ever after ending. Thank you so much McKenzie and Brandon for giving Poe the opportunity to be your new fur baby!