Del Mar Dog Rescue

SEE UPDATES - On Friday August 14, 2026, Del Mar Dog Rescue and the entire rescue community lost an amazing beautiful Doberman Pinscher named Lucy. Lucy was surrendered to SEAACA by her abusive owner, evident of the scars around her nose, showing unimaginable abuse. Pregnant and starting to give birth, we immediately tagged her for pickup to get her the urgent medical care she needed. We learned of Lucy and her urgent situation less than one hour before the shelter closed. Unfortunately, they did not respond to our rescue request until after hours, informing us that she had complication during the birth and had to be humanly euthanized. A shocking heartbreaking reality that shook us of the core.

How could this happen to this precious beautiful sweet mother, who was only seeking love and comfort after being so abused.

Her first baby died, the second was marked “very sick” the third and the fourth also died. We reached out immediately asking if any of her babies survived and was informed the next day that one had survived. At the time we were not made aware of the puppy’s sex, but when we hastily confirmed and then picked up, we learned it was a girl and we immediately without any hesitation named her Lucy, in honor of her courageous beautiful precious mother.

We are heartbroken that mama Lucy and her babies who were not able to get the immediate care they needed, that could have saved her and her babies lives, and absolutely devastated by the loss of them. We will stop at nothing and do everything in our power to ensure baby Lucy grows up big and strong like her sweet mama.

Lucy is a fighter! She is so precious and feisty! From the moment we rescued her at one day old she was squirming around making noises, she hadn’t sat still and she received an excellent veterinarian bill of health. The vet said she seemed very strong and healthy we had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, later that day however, she slowed way down, stopped having interest in eating and became very tired. Lucy was taken immediately to an emergency veterinarian hospital, where she has been receiving excellent 24/7 medical care and monitoring in the ICU.

Lucy is experiencing low glucose, low white blood cell count, fluctuating body temperature, lack of interest in eating and fatigue. As many know, veterinary costs can be quite expensive, especially 24/7 emergency care. She is currently stable, but she needs to remain in their care for an unknown amount of time for medical care and monitoring while by the Grace of God she heals and can come home safely.

We are reaching out to ask for help for Lucy. Donations are being raised for ongoing urgent ER medical care, and funds can be sent directly to the vet or to our rescue. Thank you from the bottom of their hearts for caring as much as we do. It certainly takes a village and baby Lucy needs her village now more than ever!

We love you sweet angel, you have so many people rooting for you, lifting you up and praying for you! We can’t wait for you to get better and come home!

UNO NEEDS OUR HELP — WE’RE TRYING TO SAVE HER LEG!

Just 45 minutes before she was scheduled to be euthanized, Uno was pulled from the shelter by Del Mar Dog Rescue and given a second chance. ❤️

And what a second chance it has been.

When Uno was rescued, she was heavily pregnant and had an injured leg. Just ONE DAY after leaving the shelter, she gave birth to 8 beautiful puppies.

Despite everything she had been through—and despite being in pain—Uno immediately became the most wonderful, devoted mama. She has spent these past weeks taking care of her babies. Now it’s our turn to take care of her. ❤️

We have learned that Uno’s injured leg is actually broken and needs surgery. Without surgery, she may lose the leg to amputation. We have an opportunity to save it, but the estimated cost is $3,300–$3,900, and we need help raising the funds.

Would you consider donating toward Uno’s surgery?

No amount is too small. $5, $10, $20—it all adds up. And if you aren’t able to donate, PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. Sharing Uno’s story can be just as valuable in helping us reach someone who can.

Uno came within 45 minutes of losing her life. She survived. She brought eight new little lives into the world. She has been an amazing mama.

Now we want to give this sweet girl the chance to run and play on four healthy legs when her job raising those babies is done. ❤️

All donations for Uno’s surgery will go through Del Mar Dog Rescue.

Our goal: $3,900

❤️ Our girl: Uno

Our mission: SAVE THAT LEG!!

Please donate if you can, share if you can’t, and help us give Uno the happy ending she deserves. ❤️

#SaveUnosLeg #DelMarDogRescue #RescueDogs #FosterDogs #SecondChances #DogRescue #FosterSavesLives

Hello, my name is Jackie. My boyfriend, Jake, and I are fostering an 11-month-old puppy, Mateo.

We’re fostering him from Del Mar Dog Rescue based in San Diego, CA. The organization’s mission is to help dogs in Mexicali. Mateo’s background is heartbreaking. On November 12, 2024, Mateo was hit by a car in Mexico and left to die on the side of the road. He had a broken femur, and the vet decided to amputate his left hind leg due to the sustained injuries. The surgery did not go well, and the vet in Mexico left fractured bone pieces in his left leg, now a sack. The first time we picked him up, he was so fragile and scared. His left hind sack was swollen and red. He needed another surgery to remove the liquid and bone fractures left in the previous surgery. Mateo has a fighting spirit and a brave face. The vet mentioned he was in a lot of pain, and he didn’t let any of it show. After many vet appointments of adding new sutures and staples to removing both, Mateo is finally at the place where he can start physical therapy.

Mateo needs physical therapy because he does not have function in his right hind leg. He’s been scooting his butt and using his front legs to get around. The physical therapist and vet believe he will use his leg with laser treatment and swimming lessons. Mateo has come a long way, and he is so sweet. He loves cuddles, food, and walks. He is a playful puppy and eager to meet dogs and humans.

We are creating this page to fund his surgery, medication, and physical therapy bills. Life has not been easy for Mateo at an early start. However, life is turning around. He’s in a loving, safe home and getting the treatment he deserves. We appreciate your time and financial support!

If you would like to see more videos of Mateo, please view my TikTok @jackiekim_.

Meet Jax — a beautiful soul who’s been through more than any dog should. This sweet boy was recently surrendered by his owner to an overcrowded shelter and found himself on the euthanasia list short after. Del Mar Dog Rescue saved him but he was very scared, confused, and deeply traumatized. Life hasn’t been easy for Jax, and as a result, he developed barrier reactivity and resource guarding behaviors as a way to cope with his fear and uncertainty.

But there’s hope — and it starts with you.

Since coming into the rescues care, Jax has already shown tremendous improvement. With time, patience, guidance and structure and also love, he’s beginning to open up. His playful side is starting to shine through, and we can see glimpses of the amazing dog he’s meant to be. But he still has a journey ahead — and he can’t do it alone.

We’re raising funds to cover:

· Professional training with Redemtion Tails LLC, to help Jax continue working through his challenges.

· Medical and daily care expenses

· Support for an experienced foster or eventual adopter who can give Jax the stable, loving environment he needs

Jax is not a lost cause — far from it. He just needs a little extra help to heal and thrive. With the right support system, we know Jax can become a loyal, loving companion.

Please consider donating or sharing Jax’s story. Every dollar brings him one step closer to a second chance — and maybe even a forever home.

Every little bit helps and no amount is too small. We can't do it alone- we need your help to get Jax the continued training and care he needs and we believe with the right guidance and training he can blossom into the happy dog he’s meant to be.

We will update you about ever step of her journey to a brighter future.

Together we can give Jax the chance at a beautiful new beginning

Can you help him? Every little bit makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Our rescue dog Blue was saved within moments of losing his life at SEAACA nearly one month ago with plans to go to his new forever home. Our dog trainer Adam was kind enough at the last moment to pick up Blue and bring back to his boarding facility for a few days until his transport. Arriving at the shelter he was notified that Blue did not like men, however Adam was able to get him into his vehicle and transport him without incident.

Once home Adams extensive knowledge and experience clearly alerted him that Blue was dealing with some serious behavioral triggers and issues. Assessing him further he realized that Blue appeared to be aggressive toward all people. That said Blue’s plans changed and Adam graciously took him in to help him. Here’s Adam’s experience with Blue.

Day 1 Adam picked Blue up at shelter and was told he has aggression toward men, however he showed no aggression or stiffening up toward Adam. Once home Adam had to secure Blue so he could work with another dog and when trying to put him into the kennel he learned Blue does not like to be “man handled.” He snapped at Adam twice not biting but snapping more like a warning, which Adam respected and adjusted. Since day one Blue has never tried to bite or bitten Adam once. However, has exhibited all or some of the following behaviors toward all other people thus far: lunging, snapping, growling, and barking. Blue also has exhibited similar reactionary behavior toward other dogs from a distance. Blue has not yet been dog tested close enough to make contact for obvious safety reasons.

Blue came out of the shelter with a pretty serious URI and had to be seen at a vet the following day. Due to his aggressive behavior toward the vet, this time female which was surprising based on the shelter’s notification that Blue was aggressive toward men, he was not able to receive a hands-on examination. However he did receive the necessary medication to help him heal, and a planned follow up visit.

During the first few weeks, visitors have experienced one or more of Blues above aggressive reaction toward them from a distance. Adam has not allowed Blue to get close enough to anyone to find out exactly how he would react if he was able to make contact and used these opportunities, some planned some not, to correct Blue’s behavior. Naturally, most people have shied away or removed themselves for obvious safety reasons.

At three weeks, during their daily walks Blue continues to lung at other dogs through fences, however he notices with gentle corrections prior to approaching the dog behind the fence he’s able to redirect blue in a way that he becomes less reactive or even non-reactive. This is hit and miss and work is still needed in this area.

Blue does not appear to like cats or young children. It is still unclear how he feels about people in general or what the triggers are that causes him to lunge at people, male or female.

He continues to pull on a leash however corrections help, not hard just soft consistent redirections seem effective. He Loves to play, he absolutely loves to do tricks. His favorite toy is ball, doesn’t chase the ball, but loves to follow it bouncing up and down.

Blue has a cool personality. Overall he needs consistent diligent training on his triggers. Blue would be best with an experienced handler. Someone with patience and consistency to continue his training to help make his second chance a success.

It is unknown exactly how long he has had these behaviors, or what sparked them. However every dog even aggressive ones deserve a chance to heal and be given the opportunity to live a life full of love and safety with a family that loves them and would walk to the ends of the earth for them. We believe in Blue and want to give him that opportunity and believe in our trainers’s ability to help rehabilitate Blue. This is rescue, this is why we saved his life, his life matters he deserves a chance, and we would never give up on him.

Adam is continuing to learn more about Blue everyday and figuring out what his triggers are and how to match and correct them. Dog training comes at a financial cost which we are happy and willing to absorb to help give Blue the best opportunity possible. However, we need your help! Rescuing a dog from a shelter can cost an estimated $600-$1000 for their transportation, vetting, spay/neuter, and initial and monthly foster supplies; this does not include training. Donations of any amount to our rescue help care for all of the dogs in our rescue giving them what is needed for their second chance to be a success which is the goal and why we rescue dogs, that and because we see the dire need and simply love them so much I know how completely deserving they are.

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and rely on the kindness and generosity of public donations to help save and rehabilitate these precious lives. A donation of any amount helps us save and rehabilitate lives and is greatly appreciated. Please share Blue’s story and his his fundraiser. Dogs behavioral issues are not the fault of the dog, or “a dog just being a dog,” rather their negative responses and reactions are because humans failed them. We want to be the humans that didn’t fail Blue and saved his life because he undoubtedly deserves it and so much more!

Thank you kindly for being part of Blue journey, his village. Please follow along for updates as we help Blue heal and find his forever safe loving home and family! God bless.