It's no secret - our Los Angeles City shelters are overflowing with dogs. Incredible, sensitive, connected, playful, social dogs - there are hidden gems in almost every single kennel. Each dog has a unique story, but when a dog lingers in the kennels, and they're a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, volunteers and staff take interest and note.

Canyon, DeeDee, and Vida all came into the shelter independently of each other, with different stories.

Canyon arrived with his brother Kagel, after having evaded trappers for over 2 months (that we know of) in Kagel Canyon before being caught and brought to EVAS, terrified and under socialized. With the help of volunteers (thank you Emily and Baha!!!) both brothers were given a chance to shine and emerge, despite the stressful setting. Kagel was listed for euthanasia, then rescued by the women who had spent weeks trying to trap the brothers. Canyon remained in the shelter. He quickly gathered a group of volunteer fans, with his gregarious and goofy nature, and his goofy playstyle with fellow shelter dogs.

DeeDee arrived, labeled a "stray" with an identical male dog (her brother), who was quickly adopted while she remained overlooked. Extremely timid at first, she eventually found her footing through shelter playgroups that drew her out of her shell. She began receiving “playgroup rockstar” status. She made volunteer friends easily with her gentle demeanor and gorgeous fluffy face.

Vida arrived as a young puppy, owner surrendered… the reason "too many dogs.” She has lingered for months for no discernable reason. She is playful, goofy, and sweet with people and dogs. She has been a rockstar since nearly her first playgroup outing. She'd been to parades, adoption events, info tables yet no one has scooped her up. Staff, volunteers and members of the public rave at her temperament but no forever home in Los Angeles was appearing.

Each one of these dogs won the hearts of every volunteer they interact with, but somehow, remained completely overlooked in an overcrowded city shelter. The prospects were grim, despite their long list of positive qualities. Fortunately, networking works. One volunteer talked to another. That volunteer is still an active member of an incredible rescue in Chicago - MCP Outreach and Rescue. She spoke with the rescue and discussed interest in sending some of our greatest overlooked dogs. The response was enthusiastic - and plans materialized. 3 fabulous fosters stepped up to help, and opened their homes. Outta the Cage immediately helped us pull three of the best overlooked East Valley Animal Shelter dogs to send to the Windy City.

Outta the Cage reached out about Canyon's brother, Kagel, who was rescued by his finder months earlier. He'd been bounced around between foster homes, safe but in limbo, with no forever home in sight. Would MCP consider taking Canyon's gregarious, goofy brother too? The response from the MCP Rescue founder was firm: "we don't leave family behind." And so, plans began to shift to encompass a 4th dog sent to Chicago.

We've dotted our i's and crossed our t's. Now, we are reaching out to our community for help. We need to raise $700 per dog to get them through the snowy mountains and plains to Chicago, to continue their journey to their respective forevers by January 3rd.

Outta the Cage is spotting Kagel's passage, so in total we need to fund $2,100. Can you help us get them the heck outta dodge?