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As a 5.2-magnitude earthquake rocked parts of Southern California last month, most residents took shelter indoors. But one frightened dog in Los Angeles had no such protection. Left alone behind a local school at the end of a cul-de-sac, the stray lay trembling, visibly shaken hours after the tremors had passed.
His fur was tangled with twigs, and he was curled up on the cold pavement, overwhelmed by fear. “Sticks in his fur, and [he was] shaking and scared,” wrote Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, in a Facebook post. “Poor baby was probably so scared when we had that earthquake.”
A Rescue Mission Begins
When Hall heard about the dog, whom she later named Royce, she and rescue volunteer Mary Nakiso rushed to the location. Nakiso arrived first and was heartbroken by what she saw. Though someone had left behind food and water, the dog remained abandoned and alone.
“Food and water was left for him,” Hall explained. But the thought that someone had walked away instead of helping left the rescuers saddened. As Nakiso waited for Hall, she gently reassured the dog. She wasn’t going to walk away too.
Royce’s Silent Plea for Help
Royce didn’t resist. He seemed to understand that help had finally arrived. “Sweet baby boy was just ready to be helped. He wanted help so bad,” Hall wrote. “I couldn’t leave that little baby lying there, scared and shaking.”
When Hall arrived, she worked quickly to block off any possible escape routes using nearby gates and trash cans, expecting Royce might panic and run. But instead of fleeing, Royce surprised them.
“He let me just put a slip lead around his neck,” Hall shared. “He didn’t even budge. He was just thankful that he was finally safe.”
A Gentle Makeover and a Fresh Start
Hall carried him to her van and drove him to Camino Pet Hospital, where he was given a full exam and a warm bath. Thankfully, Royce was in good health, though his matted fur needed serious attention. The veterinary team carefully shaved away the dense tangles, removing every last twig and knot. Beneath it all was a joyful pup, now able to wag his tail freely.
🥰 Keep scrolling to see Royce’s new look in a heartwarming video! 🥰
With his new look complete, Royce moved into a foster home, where he began to rediscover the simple joys of safety and companionship. He’s still waiting for a permanent home, but for now, he’s thriving. “Royce is still smiling today,” Hall told The Dodo. “Finally safe with his foster.”
🥰 Keep scrolling to see Royce’s new look in a heartwarming video! 🥰
