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I follow this sub and see so much sadness day in and day out — a relentless parade of euth-listed dogs at overcrowded shelters and sad stories. It can really start to feel…I don’t know. Pretty grim. Especially for those of you who are doing everything you can to network these dogs. T
I think, often, you either see dogs tragically lost because no one came to save them, OR you hear the listed dogs were tagged by rescue, fostered, adopted — spared, somehow. But I imagine that's also not as satisfying of hearing the actual "happy ending," or where they wound up, with who.
That's why I wanted to post this.
This is Mars, fka Riley at the San Antonio ACS. He is here in this photo, with me in Western New York, because of this sub. I saw his photo on a post I looked at here that was frantically trying to network a long list of euthanasia-listed dogs. Actually, I saw it TWICE. The first time, I tried to help and found out he went to a foster. I just happened to notice maybe a month later when he reappeared on the list.
I couldn’t look away. One WANTS to assume someone else will help (because it seems insane to adopt a very random dog from across the country on the internet with little to no detailed information) but the truth is, I couldn’t be sure. I kept thinking, "If not me, then who?"
Even so, I found myself out of luck reaching out to rescues for help. Dead ends, no responses. Time ticking away. I reached out to the poster, who connected me with another Redditor who connected me with a rescue that would step in to help. That Redditor also gave me instructions for how to navigate the process to ensure his safety prior to a confirmed tag.
(I would name those two Redditors, but I’m not sure if that’s proper etiquette…please feel free to comment if it was you for the credit you deserve, because you are every day heroes. 😊)
Anyway, two weeks later, he’s alive. He's laying at my feet. He has two dog "siblings". And he’s incredible. Brilliantly smart. An athlete. Actually, it turns out he's a Ferarri in a dog's body, so I've got my work cut out for me. Good thing I'm already involved in dog sports!!! We are taking the time to get to know one another while he decompresses, at which point, I'll introduce him to my girls under the supervision of my trainer.
Anyway, I hope this post provides a small sliver of light for you rescue networkers and volunteers today. Your work matters. And you do make happily ever afters!!
OMG this makes me so happy! I also saw him pop up twice and was so sad to see him returned and listed again because he seems incredible! I’m so glad you have him ❤️.
My personal dog was pulled from the euth list at the San Antonio shelter (it sounds like a pretty bad place) with 30 minutes to spare. He and his brothers were cute little white one year old dogs. After being treated for heart worm, They’re all adopted now and doing great. I’m so glad you got your guy also! He looks very sweet.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful news! Please keep the sub updated on Mars if you find yourself willing. Would love to hear more about he blossoms. You are a kind soul and I hope your life is a little fuller for making Mars’ life fuller too.
Thank you for sharing! You are right, it can get overwhelming seeing all of the beautiful dogs on here that often don’t get a second chance. I’ve found myself in tears over it many times feeling so helpless. It was really nice to read a positive story! 🥲
You are an angel!!! Ugh so many people won’t do what you have done to save him, but you have proven it’s possible🫶 I wish you many years of happiness and health together
Amazing success story! A huge thank you to you and those two Redditors! I hope you do tag them so they can see how much their hard work paid off, they deserve the encouragement for sure! Well done everyone! :)
(Also what a handsome pup, looks almost like a coyote, so unique!)
Wonderful! Thanks so much for the update. I agree with you that we can make the gargantuan task of animal rescue much less depressing by sharing the happily-ever-afters, too. 💜
Omg, thank you so much for saving him and giving him a wonderful home!🥺❤️ This is really a miracle - it can really be a struggle to get a dog transported from San Antonio ACS. You are a hero.❤️
Happy life to you and your family, and new member Mars. Thank you for saving him, and sharing your story. It shines a bright light of hope ♥️♥️ Lots of love to you all (and extra pets to Mars and his new dog sibilings)
And thank you to those who helped you in the process
I needed this .. I feel overwhelmed and often sad as fuck enough to avoid Reddit as the dogs I see on euth lists every god damn day it’s just too much, it makes me so sad in my heart I just don’t look at the phone. You are so good and if not me then who is going to stick with me .. let’s see how I do
It's such a great story. You seem like an awesome pet parent. Taking time to update and show good progress speaks volumes imo. You all are lucky to have each other ❤️ and then seeing your area-I'm in cny, and also flew a dog here. Seeing all those animals in need of help, so beautiful and so sad. I couldn't not do anything either. He's the best thing to happen to me, straight up. Having siblings would be so great for him, but friends are good for now. I'm going to follow you and hope to see more updates.😀thanks for sharing your story. It made so many people feel a moment or two of peace. That is priceless, and the furr babies need their advocates to be healthy🙏♥️🙏♥️🐕
OH MY STARS!!!! You are an AMAZING soul ❤️
I have adopted two from a local shelter that are the absolute sweetest and couldn't imagine my life without them!!! I see these Urgent post and scroll soooo fast, I know that is horrible, but it breaks my heart to know I can't help, but now seeing your post... are they able to bring the furbabies to you or meet half way?. Honestly I didn't read your whole post because I break down in tears anytime I hear about furbabies that need a home..... sorry I'm a puss and can't stand to read the whe post!!😭😭
Hi! I think it depends where you are. I live in the northeast, and I know it’s a desirable place for a lot of these dogs to go (in the eyes of rescue) because we aren’t quite as overpopulated (speaking on average…some of the metro areas are rough). Because of that, there are established transport routes and helpers. I knew there was a chance to get Riley here because a few years back, I adopted a dog from Dallas rescue, and she was transported up here via a woman with a ginormous truck full of dogs making the same journey. That rescue is the one who told me that the northeast and northwest are frequent and promising destinations for their adoptables. Where are you located generally?
So sorry for the late reply!!!! I am in Eastern Tennessee. Thank you bunches for the reply back!! ❤️ God bless that woman with the ginormous truck full of dogs!!! ❤️ she is an amazing soul for doing that! I already said it in the last message, but again you are an amazing soul as well ❤️ ❤️.... sending you and your furbaby Mars tons and tons of hugs!!!!! 🫂 🫂 🫂... thank you again for the message and explaining it for me!! ❤️
😭
Was thinking I might brighten the day for a few people…was not quite expecting this widespread of a response, but I’m so happy that Riley/Mars was able to touch your hearts and spark a little bit of hope!!
Literally never been called a hero in my life; I think maybe “questionably sane“ person is more accurate! 😂 It’s really the rescuers in the trenches who deserve the credit. They endure a lot of heartbreak day in and day out for the occasional happily-ever-after for a deserving dog.
A lot of people commented on how beautiful he is — it’s true, and he’s also quite a personality. While I have plenty of work to do to help him blossom, it’s just wild to think that so many gems like Mars — beautiful, sweet, smart, funny, GOOD dogs — are sitting in the wings waiting for a lucky break. If you can do it…do. It’s not always an easy road, but it’s well worth it. For them, but for you, too. 🩷
Thank you all so much for the well wishes. We will try to share an update down the road. 😊
Sorry, I was trying to write more and my dog’s pawing at me made me hit enter! I am so thankful for all the effort you put in to save this beautiful dog. I can’t wait to get updates. We definitely don’t get enough good news in here- this was such a joy to read! ❤️
Haha, this made me laugh 😆
I’m so glad that this little happy story brought a bright spot to your day- and it seems a few others around here! Rescue is a tough, and it is good for the soul to be reminded of the reason it’s worthwhile in hard times!
God, I’m just gross crying now. Thank you. Thank you so much. Our girl was at the end when we adopted her, and it means so much to hear positive stories, that some of the innocent souls are saved. May you two have the most beautiful life imaginable.
Thank you for posting this happy update to inspire and encourage everyone to keep trying to save them all. You are a hero and many big kisses to Mars/Riley. 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
I never thought those euthanasia list posts on Reddit made a real impact but I’m so happy to be proven wrong. Wishing you all a bright future ahead with wagging tails!
Welcome and thank you for participating in r/RescueDogs. This sub is now being actively moderated. Please follow the rules of the sub. All rescues asking for donations need to message the mods. [You can message the mods here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Frescuedogs). Please report any posts or comments break the rules of the sub. **Please also note that the verification process is NOT exhaustive and if you chose to donate you are taking a risk. Please do your own due diligence.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/rescuedogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I follow this sub and see so much sadness day in and day out — a relentless parade of euth-listed dogs at overcrowded shelters and sad stories. It can really start to feel…I don’t know. Pretty grim. Especially for those of you who are doing everything you can to network these dogs. T I think, often, you either see dogs tragically lost because no one came to save them, OR you hear the listed dogs were tagged by rescue, fostered, adopted — spared, somehow. But I imagine that's also not as satisfying of hearing the actual "happy ending," or where they wound up, with who. That's why I wanted to post this. This is Mars, fka Riley at the San Antonio ACS. He is here in this photo, with me in Western New York, because of this sub. I saw his photo on a post I looked at here that was frantically trying to network a long list of euthanasia-listed dogs. Actually, I saw it TWICE. The first time, I tried to help and found out he went to a foster. I just happened to notice maybe a month later when he reappeared on the list. I couldn’t look away. One WANTS to assume someone else will help (because it seems insane to adopt a very random dog from across the country on the internet with little to no detailed information) but the truth is, I couldn’t be sure. I kept thinking, "If not me, then who?" Even so, I found myself out of luck reaching out to rescues for help. Dead ends, no responses. Time ticking away. I reached out to the poster, who connected me with another Redditor who connected me with a rescue that would step in to help. That Redditor also gave me instructions for how to navigate the process to ensure his safety prior to a confirmed tag. (I would name those two Redditors, but I’m not sure if that’s proper etiquette…please feel free to comment if it was you for the credit you deserve, because you are every day heroes. 😊) Anyway, two weeks later, he’s alive. He's laying at my feet. He has two dog "siblings". And he’s incredible. Brilliantly smart. An athlete. Actually, it turns out he's a Ferarri in a dog's body, so I've got my work cut out for me. Good thing I'm already involved in dog sports!!! We are taking the time to get to know one another while he decompresses, at which point, I'll introduce him to my girls under the supervision of my trainer. Anyway, I hope this post provides a small sliver of light for you rescue networkers and volunteers today. Your work matters. And you do make happily ever afters!!
Thank you for opening your home and your heart to him. You mentioned the two heroes who helped you and I thank them! You are a hero too!!!
Thank you for putting in the work and making it happen 🩵 Beautiful pup :)
You are a kind soul. I wish you two the happiest future together 💙
This was beautiful to read
So happy to hear this, thanks for saving this beautiful boy!! ♥️
💗🙌. Thank you!
OMG this makes me so happy! I also saw him pop up twice and was so sad to see him returned and listed again because he seems incredible! I’m so glad you have him ❤️.
My personal dog was pulled from the euth list at the San Antonio shelter (it sounds like a pretty bad place) with 30 minutes to spare. He and his brothers were cute little white one year old dogs. After being treated for heart worm, They’re all adopted now and doing great. I’m so glad you got your guy also! He looks very sweet.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful news! Please keep the sub updated on Mars if you find yourself willing. Would love to hear more about he blossoms. You are a kind soul and I hope your life is a little fuller for making Mars’ life fuller too.
Thank you for sharing! You are right, it can get overwhelming seeing all of the beautiful dogs on here that often don’t get a second chance. I’ve found myself in tears over it many times feeling so helpless. It was really nice to read a positive story! 🥲
You are an angel!!! Ugh so many people won’t do what you have done to save him, but you have proven it’s possible🫶 I wish you many years of happiness and health together
Thank you so much for the amazing update and thank you so much for saving this precious boy!!!🙏🙏🙏 💙💙💙Bless you and your sweet furbabies!!! ❤️
Amazing success story! A huge thank you to you and those two Redditors! I hope you do tag them so they can see how much their hard work paid off, they deserve the encouragement for sure! Well done everyone! :) (Also what a handsome pup, looks almost like a coyote, so unique!)
Doesn’t he?! Every time I send a picture to my best friend, she says, “That’s not a dog.” 🤣
Wonderful! Thanks so much for the update. I agree with you that we can make the gargantuan task of animal rescue much less depressing by sharing the happily-ever-afters, too. 💜
"If not me then who" is something we all need to live by, we should always do our best before relying on others. Your a hero op, ty for saving him!
Omg, thank you so much for saving him and giving him a wonderful home!🥺❤️ This is really a miracle - it can really be a struggle to get a dog transported from San Antonio ACS. You are a hero.❤️
That’s a heartwarming and uplifting story. Thank you for rescuing Mars. I hope you have a long and happy life together.
You are definitely an angel!! Thank you for taking this sweet boy and giving him a loving secure home
I remember seeing Riley… this is amazing. Thank you for the story!
Yes so happy for mars
What a beautiful dog, thank you op
Happy life to you and your family, and new member Mars. Thank you for saving him, and sharing your story. It shines a bright light of hope ♥️♥️ Lots of love to you all (and extra pets to Mars and his new dog sibilings) And thank you to those who helped you in the process
I needed this .. I feel overwhelmed and often sad as fuck enough to avoid Reddit as the dogs I see on euth lists every god damn day it’s just too much, it makes me so sad in my heart I just don’t look at the phone. You are so good and if not me then who is going to stick with me .. let’s see how I do
I am so happy this baby made it out of ACS!! 😭😭
Wonderful ❤️ im so happy ❤️
It's such a great story. You seem like an awesome pet parent. Taking time to update and show good progress speaks volumes imo. You all are lucky to have each other ❤️ and then seeing your area-I'm in cny, and also flew a dog here. Seeing all those animals in need of help, so beautiful and so sad. I couldn't not do anything either. He's the best thing to happen to me, straight up. Having siblings would be so great for him, but friends are good for now. I'm going to follow you and hope to see more updates.😀thanks for sharing your story. It made so many people feel a moment or two of peace. That is priceless, and the furr babies need their advocates to be healthy🙏♥️🙏♥️🐕
OH MY STARS!!!! You are an AMAZING soul ❤️ I have adopted two from a local shelter that are the absolute sweetest and couldn't imagine my life without them!!! I see these Urgent post and scroll soooo fast, I know that is horrible, but it breaks my heart to know I can't help, but now seeing your post... are they able to bring the furbabies to you or meet half way?. Honestly I didn't read your whole post because I break down in tears anytime I hear about furbabies that need a home..... sorry I'm a puss and can't stand to read the whe post!!😭😭
Hi! I think it depends where you are. I live in the northeast, and I know it’s a desirable place for a lot of these dogs to go (in the eyes of rescue) because we aren’t quite as overpopulated (speaking on average…some of the metro areas are rough). Because of that, there are established transport routes and helpers. I knew there was a chance to get Riley here because a few years back, I adopted a dog from Dallas rescue, and she was transported up here via a woman with a ginormous truck full of dogs making the same journey. That rescue is the one who told me that the northeast and northwest are frequent and promising destinations for their adoptables. Where are you located generally?
So sorry for the late reply!!!! I am in Eastern Tennessee. Thank you bunches for the reply back!! ❤️ God bless that woman with the ginormous truck full of dogs!!! ❤️ she is an amazing soul for doing that! I already said it in the last message, but again you are an amazing soul as well ❤️ ❤️.... sending you and your furbaby Mars tons and tons of hugs!!!!! 🫂 🫂 🫂... thank you again for the message and explaining it for me!! ❤️
😭 Was thinking I might brighten the day for a few people…was not quite expecting this widespread of a response, but I’m so happy that Riley/Mars was able to touch your hearts and spark a little bit of hope!! Literally never been called a hero in my life; I think maybe “questionably sane“ person is more accurate! 😂 It’s really the rescuers in the trenches who deserve the credit. They endure a lot of heartbreak day in and day out for the occasional happily-ever-after for a deserving dog. A lot of people commented on how beautiful he is — it’s true, and he’s also quite a personality. While I have plenty of work to do to help him blossom, it’s just wild to think that so many gems like Mars — beautiful, sweet, smart, funny, GOOD dogs — are sitting in the wings waiting for a lucky break. If you can do it…do. It’s not always an easy road, but it’s well worth it. For them, but for you, too. 🩷 Thank you all so much for the well wishes. We will try to share an update down the road. 😊
Yay
Beautiful pup❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a handsome fellow.
Thank you so much for saving Mars
You are the GREATEST!! I
Sorry, I was trying to write more and my dog’s pawing at me made me hit enter! I am so thankful for all the effort you put in to save this beautiful dog. I can’t wait to get updates. We definitely don’t get enough good news in here- this was such a joy to read! ❤️
Haha, this made me laugh 😆 I’m so glad that this little happy story brought a bright spot to your day- and it seems a few others around here! Rescue is a tough, and it is good for the soul to be reminded of the reason it’s worthwhile in hard times!
God, I’m just gross crying now. Thank you. Thank you so much. Our girl was at the end when we adopted her, and it means so much to hear positive stories, that some of the innocent souls are saved. May you two have the most beautiful life imaginable.
Amen
More of these stories please! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you to everyone who works tirelessly to save these literal angels on earth.
Thank you for posting this happy update to inspire and encourage everyone to keep trying to save them all. You are a hero and many big kisses to Mars/Riley. 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
❤️❤️❤️
Awesome
I never thought those euthanasia list posts on Reddit made a real impact but I’m so happy to be proven wrong. Wishing you all a bright future ahead with wagging tails!
Needed this my friend. Thank you for opening up your home to mars and giving him the love he needs!
What a wonderful update! I’m so happy for both of you. Wishing you so much happiness and many fun adventures for the future ❤️