From Desert to Safety: Help Aid Shylah's Care and Recovery

Hello, my name is Marta.

Earlier this year, I began a tough challenge to save a soul who desperately needed a home and safety: a beautiful, gentle dog who had only known fear, hunger, and the harshness of the desert. Her name is Shylah, and this is her story.

December 2024

While driving through the desert of Antelope Valley with my daughter, we came across an extremely malnourished, skittish dog on the side of a road near E Ave H and 90th St E in Lancaster. We stayed with her for about an hour. She was so curious and sweet, but so fragile. We managed to feed her but couldn’t get her into our car. I was afraid we’d scare her into traffic. Eventually, she disappeared back into the desert fields. We left food and water and drove away heartbroken.

I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I posted in lost and found pet groups for the area. I even returned on January 3rd while heading home to the Bay Area — leaving more food and water behind. But no sign of her.

I prayed she survived the snowy cold nights. The thought of her suffering alone haunted me.

February 2025

Then, I learned that a true Earth Angel named Kay, who rescues abandoned desert dogs, had successfully trapped three dogs—two females and a puppy. And one of them looked exactly like the dog we saw in December.

I was in disbelief. After months of wondering and worrying… she was alive.

That’s when her name came to me: Shylah — which I later learned can mean “gift” in Hebrew and is associated with loyalty, strength, and faithfulness. The name felt right. She had endured so much. She is a gift.

May 2025

Over Memorial Day weekend, while returning from my daughter’s birthday visit, I picked up Shylah. She was finally coming home — to safety, love, and patience.

Shylah had never lived in a home. She’d only known the desert and, for a short time, a kennel. She is scared, slow to trust, and uncertain of her new environment. But every small step forward she takes is a victory. She is slowly learning she’s safe now.

Why I Need Your Help:

A local rescue had originally offered to assist with medical expenses, but after months of waiting, nothing has materialized. So I’m reaching out for help — to cover Shylah’s veterinary care, including:

* Initial examination

* Vaccinations

* Spaying

* Any additional medical treatments she may need

Her survival is already a miracle. What she needs now is a community to help her heal.

I couldn’t bear the thought of her ending up in an overcrowded Los Angeles shelter, where her chances of survival would be slim. She deserves more. She deserves to live.

Please consider donating.

Anything helps. Your support means everything — to me and to Shylah. Thank you for helping me give this brave girl the life she’s fought so hard to earn.