UPDATE: Mabel has officially begun her first sessions at board and train. At first, we hoped that with a little decompression, she would simply settle in and start learning. What we didn’t expect was what the trainers uncovered beneath the surface.

After giving her time to breathe and feel safe, it became clear that Mabel has suffered severe trauma and abuse in her past.

Mabel is incredibly sweet. She wants love. But when fear takes over, her body remembers things her heart can’t forget. In moments when she feels the need to protect herself—even when she is safe—she reacts. Not because she’s bad. Not because she’s aggressive. But because at some point, protecting herself was the only way she survived.

It’s heartbreaking to watch a dog who has done nothing wrong carry so much fear.

Because of this, Mabel is going to need more training and more time than originally planned. Not to “fix” her—but to help her learn what safety feels like. To help her build confidence. To show her that hands can be kind, voices can be gentle, and that she doesn’t have to live in survival mode anymore.

This extra training is what will give Mabel her chance. Her chance to heal. Her chance to trust. Her chance to finally be adopted into a home where she can feel safe for the rest of her life.

She has already been through more than any dog ever should. We don’t want her future to be defined by her past—but we can’t get her there alone.

Mabel deserves peace. She deserves patience. She deserves a real shot at happiness.

Mabel is a four-year-old, spayed female currently at Ventura County Animal Services, where she has been deemed eligible for euthanasia due to “stranger danger” behavior.

Mabel is a loving, affectionate dog with the people she trusts. She walks beautifully on a leash and has the cutest wiggle butt when she’s out for walks. Rather than playing with toys, Mabel prefers attention and affection from her trusted humans, showing her strong ability to bond. She also loves delicious treats and appears to be housebroken—she even has a special cry to let you know when she needs to go outside.

While at VCAS, a volunteer took Mabel on a doggy day trip. She had a wonderful time and did well around many different people, including children. However, a busy restaurant environment later triggered her stranger danger, highlighting how stressful crowded, unfamiliar situations can be for her.

Mabel was adopted and taken to a veterinarian for a routine checkup. Already stressed from being with new people and in a new environment, Mabel became overwhelmed and bit the vet. She was returned to the shelter, and VCAS labeled her unadoptable due to her fear of strangers.

We believe Mabel is not a bad dog—she is a frightened dog. Stranger danger is a behavior that can be improved with proper training, structure, and support.

We are raising funds to send Mabel to a professional board-and-train program, where she can learn to feel safer and more confident around unfamiliar people. This training could mean the difference between life and death for her.

Your donation will help save Mabel’s life and give her the chance she deserves to overcome her fears and find a safe, loving home.

Thank you for supporting Mabel and believing in second chances.