Life isn’t always easy for dogs without homes. Many face harsh realities—some wander the streets in search of food and shelter, while others live in crowded shelters, where even the best care can’t ease the emotional toll. For some, the uncertainty and loneliness can lead to deep emotional stress. This has been the painful experience for Rascal, a kind-hearted dog who’s spent years simply waiting to be loved.
Left Behind But Still Hoping
Rascal’s journey began when a rescue group left him at a boarding facility in Rowland Heights, California. Days turned into months, and months into years. For two long years, he remained in a kennel, watching as others found families while he stayed behind. Eventually, the boarding facility, overwhelmed by limited space and funding, planned to transfer Rascal and other dogs to a local shelter, where his fate would be uncertain once again.
But then came a lifeline.
A Rescue Steps In
Samantha Redline, founder of Kennel Eviction Rescue (KER), stepped in just in time. Her nonprofit specializes in saving and rehabilitating dogs on the brink of being discarded. Moved by Rascal’s story, she made it her mission to find him a forever home.
Her efforts quickly paid off. Just days after sharing Rascal’s story, a woman reached out, interested in adopting him. With help from a trainer, they began the process of integrating Rascal into his new life.
“At first, everything seemed to be going well,” Redline shared with Newsweek. “She was working on crate training, and even bought him a flirt pole to help him burn energy.” They went on long hikes together and spent quality time bonding. For a moment, it looked like Rascal had finally found happiness.
Another Heartbreak
But the hope didn’t last. Just a few months in, KER received a message: the adopter no longer had time for him. Redline was heartbroken. “It all surprised us because Rascal settles better than any of our other dogs,” she said. “He’s playful, loves toys, and is an amazing hiking partner. He really is a wonderful dog.”
Back in the kennel, Rascal has struggled. Once calm and quiet, he now paces restlessly, often barking out of confusion and sadness, something he never used to do. It’s clear he’s waiting, once again, for someone to come back for him.
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Still Waiting for a Family
To help Rascal finally find the right match, KER has been sharing his story across social media platforms, including TikTok. Redline describes Rascal as ideal for a home without other pets, though he’s comfortable around caged animals like rabbits and reptiles. He gets along with both men and women and would thrive with someone patient and loving.
At 6 years old, Rascal is past the puppy stage but still enjoys daily walks and playtime. More than anything, he craves consistency, companionship, and a place where he’ll never be left behind again.
He’s Been Let Down—But He Hasn’t Given Up
Rascal’s story is one of resilience. Despite repeated heartbreak, he continues to hold out hope. If you’re looking for a loyal, gentle companion, Rascal may be the one to bring joy and love into your life.
@kennelevictionrescue Rascal I’m sorry. This person we had been working with for 3 months to make sure it was the right fit and even after multiple meet and greets and so many conversations about the importance of decompression, patience, etc he was still returned after only a week. Why do people do this to them? Why give them and us false hope? Why waste their time? Rascal is a sweetheart and very cuddly. He can be goofy and corky but in all the best ways. He runs like #scoobydoo and loves burgers and eggs. He can be picky with treats but likes meaty ones. When he first left the shelter with the god awful rescue that pulled him he had a bad skin infection. He was allowed 2 weeks with a foster before she removed him from the household and literally dumped him in boarding. When he was abandoned this year we made it our mission to find him and the rest the best homes. Rascal deserves that they all do. Rascal loves the flirt pole and toys that move. He barked at the family’s bunny at first but quickly warmed up. He can be a little sporadic jumping in the air with excitement and has done fine around kids. He settles really well on his bed or in the crate. He knows how to sit and has been introduced to place commands. He’s done well being neutral with dogs present outside the kennels. He’s very curious and can always be seen doing a very investigative sniff with new things. Overall he’s an amazing dog that obviously just needs his right person. He can be adopted almost anywhere in the U.S. if going into a single pet household but will need to stay in SOCAL for a multi pet household. He’s 6 years old, neutered and ready for Ana amazing future. Can you help us give it to him? 💜Email kennelevictionpuprescue@gmail.com 💜Venmo @kennelevictionrescue 💜Paypal @kennelevictionrescue 💜Website kennelevictionrescue.org 💜Wishlist Boarding Babies linked in bio 💜text 626269-9622 #adoption #adoptdontshop #adoptme #adopt #adoptrescueanimals #adoptshelterdogs #adoptseniordogs #rescue #rescuedogs #rescuedog #rescueme #shelter #sheltercrisis #shelterdog #shelterdogs #canine #training #reactive #husky #germansheperd #pitbull #pitbullsofinstagram #pitbulladvocate #pitbulllover #sheperd #abandoned30 #kennelevictionrescue #bettershelter #abandoned #neglected #forgotten #ktla #news #headlines #help #donate ♬ where is my mind (piano version) – your movie soundtrack