Happy Hippo has been rescued by Legacy of Love, a highly respected Ventura-based nonprofit that has helped save and thoughtfully place countless animals in our community and beyond.

Now the real work begins.

Happy Hippo is a 3-year-old, 45-pound cane corso/bully mix who first entered the shelter system as a stray in 2023. He was adopted and spent over two years in a home. When behavioral challenges escalated — particularly conflict with another dog in the household — his family made the decision to surrender him to the shelter.

After returning to the shelter, the kennel environment proved extremely stressful for him. His anxiety escalated, he became ill with kennel cough, and he had two finger biting incidents during high-stress handling moments. It became clear that what he needed was not more time in a kennel, but structured intervention.

Legacy of Love stepped up to give him that chance.

Why Training Is Critical

Happy Hippo is not without strengths. In a stable home environment, he has been described as affectionate, playful, and strongly bonded to his person. He seeks connection and thrives when he feels secure.

However, he requires:

• An adult-only home

• No other dogs

• No small animals

• An experienced handler

• Professional behavioral training and structured management

To ensure he can be placed safely and successfully, he needs consistent, professional support — including decompression, behavior modification, and skill-building.

How Your Donation Helps

All funds raised through GoFundMe will go directly to Legacy of Love and are fully tax-deductible. If you prefer, you can also give through Venmo (@LegacyofLove805) or Zelle [email redacted] and add a note that your donation is for Happy Hippo.

Donations will support:

• Professional training and behaviorist consultations

• Structured decompression and management

• Ongoing behavioral rehabilitation

• Veterinary support if needed

• Safe foster care

Responsible rescue doesn’t stop at pulling a dog from the shelter — it means investing in the tools and training that set them up for lifelong success.

Legacy of Love is committed to placing Happy Hippo in the right home, not just the fastest home. Your support helps ensure he develops the skills and stability needed to live safely and happily in a loving environment.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser helps tremendously.

Thank you for supporting ethical, responsible rescue — and for helping give Happy Hippo the structured second chance he deserves.