As Los Angeles residents begin to rebuild their lives after devastating wildfires, communities across the nation are rallying to support them. among the most heartwarming efforts are those of Bay Area volunteers who are opening their homes to dogs displaced by the disaster.
Love and Second Chances, a dublin-based rescue organization, has mobilized its network of Bay Area volunteers to foster dogs affected by the fires. Within days of the wildfires breaking out, these volunteers sprang into action. Heather Thompson, a long-time member of the group, shared her thoughts: “It was surprising, and it was a lot.But definitely, we heard that calling and said OK, we’re going to do what we can to help those folks down south.”
Thompson, who has fostered approximately 70 dogs over the years, explained that the initiative began with a single plea for pet supplies from a fire victim who had lost everything. Love and Second Chances amplified this call on social media, sparking an overwhelming response. The group quickly established four collection points to manage the influx of donations.
“Overwhelmed is not the right response,” Thompson said. “Definitely shocked and surprised, but very happy to see the amount of support the community has and wants to help with the LA neighbors and all the animals.”
Volunteers have been tirelessly transporting supplies—ranging from dog food to crates—to Los Angeles. Tiffany Palazzini of Paws 4 Life K9 Rescue expressed her gratitude: “This is amazing.We need these. Thank you!”
Another critical effort has been clearing space in Southern California animal shelters to accommodate pets displaced by the fires. Alex Tonner of Paws 4 Life K9 Rescue revealed, “We are shipping out 172 animals on Sunday morning.” Many of these animals, already up for adoption, are being relocated to areas like Texas and the Bay Area. Love and Second Chances is also taking in dogs to alleviate pressure on local shelters.
For Thompson, this work is deeply personal. “Dogs, they’re just so devoted to their peopel,” she said.”They just want to give you their unconditional love. if I can help a dog, especially one that is stressed in a shelter surroundings, can’t handle the noise or separation, I want to help. I want to do that.”
The organization continues to seek foster families and donations to support their mission. Their goal is simple yet profound: to find loving, permanent homes for these dogs, one at a time.
