It’s always heartbreaking to witness a helpless animal struggling to survive on the streets. Sadly, this is a reality faced daily by many. Such was the case when concerned citizens began sharing posts about a German Shepherd in Montebello, California, who hadn’t moved from his spot under a tree for several days.
The sight was heart-wrenching, and it became clear that someone needed to step in. That someone was Isabel Gallardo, an experienced rescuer from Marinwood, California. When she heard about the abandoned dog, she immediately rushed to help. However, rescuing him turned out to be more difficult than expected.
“When I arrived, an animal control officer had just parked, and I told her I was there for him. We spent hours trying to catch him. She even called for backup, but this boy wasn’t having it,” Isabel shared on Facebook.
Despite the challenge, Isabel knew she wasn’t alone. She reached out to fellow rescuers, and they responded quickly. One of the most crucial people in the effort was Suzette Hall, a well-known rescuer who brought a trap that finally helped capture the dog.
The German Shepherd, now named Monte, was finally saved from his lonely, desperate situation. Isabel made sure to thank the others who had helped in the rescue. She expressed her gratitude to “Laurie Mitchel for so many things [she] can’t list, [her] invaluable friendship and rescue experience,” and also thanked “Laura [Bobadilla] for being the eyes in Montebello.”
Isabel took Monte home, determined to give him the care he needed. Just a few days later, Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy, shared the good news on Facebook.
"Before and after,” she wrote, sharing photos of Monte. “This is the way it’s supposed to be—at home, in a bed, not abandoned under a tree.”
Suzette explained that Monte had endured a lot but was now on the mend. He was diagnosed with anemia and was receiving treatment at the Camino Pet Hospital in Irvine, California. He received a medicated bath, flea treatment, deworming, and anti-inflammatory injections, along with antibiotics.
“After a few weeks of no fleas and a proper diet, we’ll get him neutered and take care of his dental needs,” she added. “This sweet baby will be a whole new dog.”
Monte’s journey from abandonment to recovery is a story of hope and love, all thanks to the compassionate rescuers who refused to give up on him. As Suzette lovingly concluded in her post, “We love you so much, sweetheart. We won’t give up on you like they did.”
