On Friday August 14, 2026, Del Mar Dog Rescue and the entire rescue community lost an amazing beautiful Doberman Pinscher named Lucy. Lucy was surrendered to SEAACA by her abusive owner, evident of the scars around her nose, showing unimaginable abuse. Pregnant and starting to give birth, we immediately tagged her for pickup to get her the urgent medical care she needed. We learned of Lucy and her urgent situation less than one hour before the shelter closed. Unfortunately, they did not respond to our rescue request until after hours, informing us that she had complication during the birth and had to be humanly euthanized. A shocking heartbreaking reality that shook us of the core.

How could this happen to this precious beautiful sweet mother, who was only seeking love and comfort after being so abused.

Her first baby died, the second was marked “very sick” the third and the fourth also died. We reached out immediately asking if any of her babies survived and was informed the next day that one had survived. At the time we were not made aware of the puppy’s sex, but when we hastily confirmed and then picked up, we learned it was a girl and we immediately without any hesitation named her Lucy, in honor of her courageous beautiful precious mother.

We are heartbroken that mama Lucy and her babies who were not able to get the immediate care they needed, that could have saved her and her babies lives, and absolutely devastated by the loss of them. We will stop at nothing and do everything in our power to ensure baby Lucy grows up big and strong like her sweet mama.

Lucy is a fighter! She is so precious and feisty! From the moment we rescued her at one day old she was squirming around making noises, she hadn’t sat still and she received an excellent veterinarian bill of health. The vet said she seemed very strong and healthy we had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, later that day however, she slowed way down, stopped having interest in eating and became very tired. Lucy was taken immediately to an emergency veterinarian hospital, where she has been receiving excellent 24/7 medical care and monitoring in the ICU.

Lucy is experiencing low glucose, low white blood cell count, fluctuating body temperature, lack of interest in eating and fatigue. As many know, veterinary costs can be quite expensive, especially 24/7 emergency care. She is currently stable, but she needs to remain in their care for an unknown amount of time for medical care and monitoring while by the Grace of God she heals and can come home safely.

We are reaching out to ask for help for Lucy. Donations are being raised for ongoing urgent ER medical care, and funds can be sent directly to the vet or to our rescue. Thank you from the bottom of their hearts for caring as much as we do. It certainly takes a village and baby Lucy needs her village now more than ever!

We love you sweet angel, you have so many people rooting for you, lifting you up and praying for you! We can’t wait for you to get better and come home!