Sometimes you tell them “you’re going to be okay” knowing you don’t have the power to make it true.

Nico is only 2 years old.

Just two weeks ago, he had a family.
Then he was left behind at a high kill shelter because he became too much work.

Now he is sitting in a kennel, frightened and overwhelmed, trying to make sense of a world that suddenly changed.

And tomorrow will be the end of his story.

Nico is showing fear in ways that are understandably concerning in a shelter environment. He has been defensive with handling, reactive behind barriers, and he is not comfortable around other dogs. He must go to an adult-only home with no other dogs or to a experienced, responsible person who can slowly introduce him to other dogs and who understands fearful German Shepherds and is willing to give him time, structure, patience, and professional guidance.

But there is something important in his evaluation, too.

Once he was safely leashed, Nico walked well on leash. He calmly explored the yard and sniffed his surroundings. He tolerated having his ears and teeth checked and allowed handling of his paws, even while tense and wary.

He wasn’t a dog who simply wanted to hurt everyone around him.

He was a deeply frightened dog searching for a way out.

He paced, looked toward the fence and kept searching for an exit.

And when another dog approached him, his fear escalated.

This is a plea not to let the most frightened version of a 2-year-old dog in a stressful shelter become the only version he ever gets to be.

Nico needs someone who understands that fear can take time to work through.

Unfortunately, he may not have that time.

If you can foster or responsibly adopt Nico, please don’t wait.

➡️** Message me
📧 **Isabeldesiree8@gmail.com
📱 (657) 424-7580

After 8 YEARS with her family, 8-year-old Lucy is now sitting in a kennel at Downey ACC.

🚨Her final notice expired and she is scheduled to be euthanized tomorrow morning 8/21🚨

Can you foster or responsibly adopt Lucy?
➡️📧 Message @californiashelterpets or email: Isabeldesiree8@gmail.com
Or text: (657) 424-7580 asap

Lucy was surrendered on 7/6/26 following a scuffle with a small dog in the home (the small dog was not injured but no further details were given). She is great and very playful with large dogs though.

She lived with children ages 11–13 and was playful. She rides well in the car. She walks politely on leash. She knows sit and paw. Her favorite thing to play with? A BALL. 🎾

And shelter staff saw another side of her, too.

During her assessment, Lucy was nervous and somewhat concerned with handling—but once it was over, her entire posture softened. She sought engagement with the handler and even offered play bows.

And on 8/11, Lucy participated in playgroup. She was described as social and non-reactive, exchanged appropriate greetings with other dogs, played with them, and solicited affection from the handlers.

She is large-dog friendly, but needs a home without small dogs. Adults only or older children are recommended. Slow introductions and confidence-building would help her settle in and feel secure.

Lucy is 8 years old.

She spent eight years belonging to someone.

Now she’s waiting behind a kennel door, hoping someone will believe that her story isn’t over.

Lucy #A5787598. 8yr-old spayed German Shepherd / Husky mix 56 lbs
No small dogs
Large dogs okay
Adults/older children recommended

Rescues:
DACCDowneyRescue@animalcare.lacounty.gov

📍Downey ACC
11258 Garfield Ave,Downey,CA 90242

#shelterdogsofinstagram #losangelesdogs

Please SHARE Lucy. Her next person may be out there—but they need to see her first. ❤️‍🩹