Dog First on Euthanasia List Gets Second Chance After Adoption

A woman from Los Angeles has shared how a last-minute pet-sitting request turned into a life-saving mission for a dog at the top of a local shelter’s euthanasia list.

The dog, now named Boogie, was scheduled to be euthanized at SEAACA (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority) on December 10, but thanks to Ava Taddeo’s quick actions and the support of Fur Love Haven Rescue, Boogie is now thriving in a loving home.

“Truly, Boogie found me,” Taddeo told Newsweek. While she has been providing pet-sitting services on Rover for over five years, she hadn’t planned on adopting a dog until the summer. But a late-night request from Ella, a Fur Love Haven Rescue volunteer, changed everything.

Ella asked if Taddeo could foster Boogie for a few days as the rescue arranged to send him to Oregon. That was when Taddeo’s curiosity led her to research the situation further, discovering on Instagram that Boogie—then known as Dingo—was slated for euthanasia the next day.

Determined to save him, Taddeo teamed up with Susan from Fur Love Haven Rescue to ensure Boogie was taken off the euthanasia list. By noon, the dog was officially tagged for Taddeo, just two hours before his scheduled euthanasia.

After navigating through L.A. traffic, she signed the adoption papers and met Boogie, who immediately showed his excitement and affection. “Once I saw his face, I knew he was the one,” Taddeo said.

Boogie, a small and quirky dog, was suffering from untreated pneumonia, likely the reason he was added to the euthanasia list. Despite his health challenges, Taddeo discovered that Boogie is perfectly trained, calm, and not aggressive toward people or other dogs. He has since begun his recovery in his new home, where he enjoys treats, snuggles, and his favorite toy, a Lamb Chop plushie.

Taddeo has since shared the story on TikTok where the video has been viewed over 540,000 times. “Thank you for saving him!” said one commenter, while another wrote: “The euthanasia list keeps me up at night.”

Since the rescue, Taddeo has launched a GoFundMe hoping to raise $1,200 to cover Boogie’s rescue fees and medical bills. She also hopes to partner with brands like Rover and Chewy to support Fur Love Haven Rescue and eventually host a “clear-the-shelter” event at SEAACA.

Boogie’s story sheds light on a growing crisis in U.S. shelters. According to Shelter Animals Count, 6.5 million animals entered shelters in 2023, a 4 percent increase from 2022.

Euthanasia rates also rose, with approximately 850,000 animals euthanized in 2023—a 15 percent jump compared to the previous year. Shelters nationwide are working to address these challenges by promoting adoption, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation initiatives.

“This experience has changed Boogie’s and my life,” Taddeo said, hoping that sharing her story will encourage others to rescue from their local shelter.