A woman sits on a purple couch, smiling at a small dog wearing a harness, as they share a warm, close moment.

THOMAS

Adopted June 19, 2021

It’s hard being homeless, for people and for animals. Thomas was spotted during one of the hottest summers on record, sitting on a piece of cardboard to protect his paws from the grueling hot pavement of a Santa Ana alley, with no food or water in sight. A wonderful woman who feeds feral cats in the area saw him day after day trying to survive when she contacted AALOC, asking us to help this small Chihuahua.

Thomas is about 10 pounds, a intelligent but feisty dog with a soft center. His spirit was a bit broken when he was found in the alley, and we wonder how he could have come to living alone on the streets. We knew we would have to find just the right person as his new owner since that individual would need patience to build trust with Thomas, but once built he or she would have a friend for life.

After several years at AALOC Thomas found his new love - Paula - and he appears to be a changed dog. Where Thomas used to bark at anyone who came into the kennel, he now likes everyone he meets. Paula has also already taught Thomas to walk up steps. As we have often seen, love can really change a dog’s attitude and demeanor.

Blessings to you Paula for seeing through Thomas’ tough exterior right down to his very gooey soft heart.

A family with two women and a man, all smiling, holding two small dogs outdoors in front of a wooden fence.

MIMI & TEKO

Adopted June 12, 2021

Miimi and Teko, Chihuahua-mixes, were very loved by an older women. They lived a good life – that is until their owner died. Afterwards they were passed along to another couple and things got a lot tougher before coming to AALOC. As a bonded pair it is often more difficult to find someone who is willing to adopt two dogs at the same time but we are happy to report these two sweet pups have found their new special someone. Marlene heard about the dogs from her daughter, who works at the kennel, and the love connection was quickly made. Thank you Marlene for welcoming Mimi and Teko into your heart!

A smiling woman with black hair holding a small black cat; cozy indoor scene in the background, both looking at the camera.

JOVI (now Poe)

Adopted May 27, 2021

Fosters who take in an animal in need when AALOC is unable to house one more rescue are a lifeline to providing these dogs and cats in need. The ultimate though is when the person falls hard for the pet they are fostering and decides to make their love story a permanent commitment.

That's exactly what happened to Jovi, now named Poe, a small, but very bewitching, black kitten found on the kennel's street.

A double thank you to Poe's new owner for both fostering and adopting Poe!

Two people wearing masks pose with a cat in a pet taxi crate, showing a hopeful moment of care.
A ginger and white cat is stretched out, one paw reaching toward a person’s hand, showing a relaxed, affectionate moment.
A curious orange-and-white kitten exploring a sunlit room, partial view of a grill and blue tank in the background.

OSCAR

Adopted April 5, 2021

Everyone has suffered in 2020 in one way or another because of the pandemic. One woman became homeless and begin living in her car. Not only did she need to find a safe place for her six dogs, but she was also worried about the feral cats she had been feeding. She pleaded with AALOC to help and we did: Oscar is one of the cats AALOC took in. Oscar now has his new forever home. He was adopted by Helen and Brian and sibling cat Nyse. Although he remained a bit cautious when he first arrived we know he will be the sweet, funny, outgoing cat with his new family soon.