Here’s What Happened to Valentina After I Took Her
Hey everyone, it’s Rocky Kanaka here. If you’ve been following our journey with “Sitting with Dogs,” you know that every dog has a story. Some of those stories begin in heartbreak, but they can end in love and hope thanks to this incredible community. Today, I’m giving you updates on some amazing dogs who touched our lives and found their way to forever homes—or are still on their path to recovery. Let’s dive in.
Valentina: From Heartbreaking Wounds to Healing
When I first met Valentina, she was in a dire state. Her body was covered in wounds, and she was so anemic that her life was in jeopardy. We didn’t know if her injuries were from burns, road rash, or something even worse. She was gooey, smelly, and heartbreakingly fragile. The shelter had little hope for her, but we refused to give up.
Update: Valentina’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. The team at Animal Care Services worked tirelessly, shaving her matted fur, treating her wounds, and monitoring her anemia. Slowly but surely, she began to heal. She’s now eating well and even took her first photos with Santa—a huge milestone for a dog who was once so broken. While her recovery journey isn’t over, Valentina’s spirit shines brighter every day, and we’re excited to see her continue to blossom.
Ellie (Now Reyna)
Ellie was just ten months old when I met her, abandoned near Lake Elsinore and too scared to come to the front of her kennel. She shook with fear, her tail tucked tightly, and the shelter staff worried she would be overlooked by potential adopters. She’d been in this fear state for days, making it impossible for her to show her true sweet nature.
Update: Thanks to this community, Ellie’s life has turned around. Albina, a kind-hearted woman who recently lost her cocker spaniel, drove two hours to meet her. Despite Ellie’s initial shyness, Albina got down on the ground and patiently waited. In that moment, Ellie’s fear melted away, and she approached her new mom with tentative trust. Now renamed Reyna (“queen” in Spanish), she’s thriving in her new home. Reyna’s favorite activities include stealing slippers and basking in the love of her forever family. Albina says she’s a completely different dog, and it’s heartwarming to see her transformation.
London
London’s story broke my heart. At just ten months old, she was abandoned at a gas station near a busy freeway. Malnourished and anxious, she cowered in her kennel, unsure of her surroundings. Despite her fear, she showed glimmers of hope and trust during our sessions.
Update: After some adoption holds fell through, the shelter staff went above and beyond to find her a forever home. Lisa and Phil, two dedicated shelter workers, coordinated with a rescue and even arranged for London to be flown across the country to her new family. London now lives with Sharon, an experienced dog owner who saw London’s potential the moment she watched her video. London has blossomed into a playful and affectionate pup, sharing her home with her new sister, Molly. Sharon says London’s tail never stops wagging, and her journey from a scared, abandoned dog to a loved family member is truly inspiring.
Cinder (Now Faith)
Cinder was one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen. At eight years old, she was severely emaciated, her body covered in matting so severe it caused sores and infections. Likely used as a breeding dog her entire life, she had never known love or comfort. When she arrived at the shelter, she weighed only 11 pounds—half of what she should.
Update: After a life-saving intervention by I Care Dog Rescue, Cinder—now named Faith—is learning what it means to be loved. Her foster family is working tirelessly to help her gain weight and strength. Despite her fragile condition, Faith’s spirit is unbroken. Her foster mom says she wags her tail whenever someone talks to her, a sign of the trust she’s slowly rebuilding. Faith still has a long road ahead, including medical treatments and continued rehabilitation, but her story is a testament to the resilience of dogs and the power of compassion.
Final Thoughts
Each of these dogs’ stories is a testament to the power of love, community, and second chances. From Valentina’s brave fight for health, to Ellie’s journey from fear to joy, to London’s jet-setting adventure, and Faith’s transformation from neglect to hope—these dogs remind us why we do what we do. If you’ve ever shared one of our videos, donated to a shelter, or simply cheered these dogs on, you’ve been a part of their journey. Thank you for helping to turn heartbreak into hope.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: every dog deserves a chance to be someone’s forever friend.
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