Help Onyx's family find a new home together

Our names are Cassie and Liv and we are dog trainers and owners of Clickstart Dog Training Academy in Orange County, CA.

Vanessa and Alondra have been dear clients of ours for a long time. We have been a part of Onyx's training journey since July 24th 2020. We have never known such a dedicated family, willing to do whatever it takes for their two rescue mixes - including, driving from the Inland Empire to South OC for group classes and in-person private coaching. Always with a smile on their faces.

On October 25th 2022 we received the most devastating phone call of our collective careers.

In tears, Vanessa described what happened. Onyx had slipped free of Vanessa's grip and ran toward a neighbor's dog. The guardian of said dog lifted Onyx into the air and slammed him on the concrete several times, breaking his femur and causing liver damage and internal bleeding. In the commotion, Onyx bit the small dog.

Once Onyx was on the floor & unresponsive, the guardian fled the scene and left Vanessa alone to asses her dog's injuries. Onyx was whining and unable to stand or walk. Vanessa and Alondra rushed Onyx to an ER where they determined he required the immediate attention of a qualified surgeon able to help with his extensive break.

At this point, their neighborhood demanded the removal of Onyx. They had 1 week to find him a new home. They had a meeting with the neighbor who, in addition to his dog's vet bills, insisted that Alondra and Vanessa cover his doctor's bill (for a knee scrape that he claimed was a dog bite) and a week of time off work for both him and his wife.

This was a period of incredible hopelessness for all of us. Surgery and recovery was not guaranteed. Onyx was no longer legally welcome in their home. Rehoming would be challenging with his new bite history. As would moving. We had a long and heartbreaking conversation about the possibility of euthanasia. Vanessa and Alondra talked to Laps of Love but in the end, decided they would do anything to keep their boy. We cried tears of relief and got to work.

Thanks to the support of the surgeon, they were able to go through with surgery (flat fee of $5,000) and house Onyx for a full week (no charge) as he recovered. The surgeon stated that Onyx's injury required an incredible use of force and it was clear that Onyx is not a dangerous dog.

Alondra and Vanessa, like the brave heroes they are, broke their lease early and moved in with Vanessa's parents. It's not ideal. It's not enough space. It's not a long-term solution. But they were willing to do anything to keep their family together and to feel safe in their own home.

Onyx is home with his family. He is recovering. Vanessa is slowly regaining her confidence. Pet insurance covered the surgery and other vet bills. Renter's insurance covered the neighbor's demands.

We're asking for help to cover the cost of breaking the lease and finding a new home in this difficult housing market with two large breed dogs, one now with a documented bite on his record. This wonderful family has given so much to their dogs and they deserve some help during this difficult time. If you have anything to spare this holiday season, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading Onyx's story and for your empathy and generosity.