Support Goliath and His Dogs' Journey to Stability

The Story of My Friend Goliath

It was a stressful time in Los Angeles. The city was burning, people were losing their homes, and chaos and uncertainty were everywhere. That’s when I first met Goliath.

He was standing outside a shopping mall with a small cart and two beautiful, large dogs. I passed them and caught a glimpse of the black dog’s eyes — and my heart jumped. I bought a small bag of food and handed it to the man.

“I’m sorry, I know it’s not much,” I said.

He replied with genuine warmth and gratitude.

A Bond That Grows

Soon, I started seeing them more and more in the neighborhood. It was always heartwarming — Goliath giving water to the dogs, cleaning up after them, bathing them at the car wash.

One cold, rainy day, I found the three of them sleeping in a tiny tent. I brought warm clothes, hygiene products, water, dog food — and sometimes a hot meal.

What really struck me was how different he was from others I’d met on the street. He was always clean, respectful, humble. He took pride in his appearance and never stopped caring for his dogs.

The Shelter Wouldn’t Take Them

I reached out to homeless services. I even drove Goliath and his dogs to a navigation center. But we ran into barriers — shelters don’t want big dogs. One center even asked us to leave them outside.

But Goliath couldn’t do that. He had been separated from them once — they were taken to a shelter while he was hospitalized. When he was discharged, he returned with the little money he had and paid to bring them home.

That tells you everything.

Loyalty Over Convenience

In a world where people give up pets for convenience, Goliath chose loyalty — every single day.

A local shelter volunteer told me that same story. She admired the man who came back for his dogs, who paid for their vaccines, neutering, and care — even while living in a tent.

As I got to know this incredible trio, I saw it clearly: they are a family. They love and protect each other. Goliath has a huge heart and would sacrifice anything for his “babies.”

Thanks to volunteers, he now has a larger tent. Neighbors have donated things like an air mattress and towels. And the most amazing thing? His tent is clean and organized — always. I’ve seen it myself.

Goliath Is More Than His Struggle

He also has a great sense of style. Even with limited resources, he finds hidden gems at donation centers and dresses with care.

He’s also an artist — he showed me one of his graphic sketches, and it was so beautiful that I used it to design his business card. He asked for it himself — he’s ready to make a change.

After a long hesitation, Goliath agreed to seek help. He’s now working with outreach teams, visiting clinics, and showing up for himself.

Recently, he connected with someone very special — a kind person who sees his value and is helping him explore small work opportunities.

A Fragile but Hopeful Path Forward

This support means the world. But his path is still delicate.

He’s in a fragile transition, and any stability he builds now depends on having the resources — and time — to stay grounded.

He’s not all set yet. But he’s trying. And that matters.

The Kindness He Offers Others

Goliath is a phenomenal dog lover. He would make an amazing dog walker, carer, or trainer. He’s even on TikTok now, sharing moments of daily life with his dogs and his kindness.

Just last week, he gave extra dog food to a woman on the street with two dogs.

“I had extra, and she needed it,” he said.

He shared clothes I gave him with another man.

“He had nothing, and I had more.”

That’s the kind of person Goliath is.

Why I’m Asking for Your Help

Goliath and his dogs are still in transition, working toward permanent housing and stability. Until they get there, I’m asking for your help.

Your donation will go toward:

• Temporary shelter or housing

• Basic needs like hygiene, dog food, and supplies

• Transportation to clinics and job interviews

• Documents, referrals, and support services

If you know someone offering a job with housing, that would be incredible too.

We’re all struggling in different ways right now. But if we lose our empathy — our ability to help each other — what’s left?

Please help me give this kind, humble man and his dogs a second chance at safety, healing, and home.

Thank you for reading.

With all my heart,

Valerie