“This girl’s month of homelessness was over, and she knew it”
Last month, dog rescuer Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, received a heart-wrenching message that struck a chord with her. After responding to countless calls for help about stray dogs in Los Angeles, California, this case felt particularly urgent. Instead of wandering aimlessly, this poor pup had been going door-to-door, peering into people’s yards in hopes of finding food.
“For over a month, she begged for food, looking through gates,” Hall shared on Facebook. The moment she saw a photo of the sweet dog desperately staring through a gate, Hall knew she had to step in. She immediately called her dedicated friend and volunteer, Mary Nakiso, and they rushed to the last known location of the pup.
After a lengthy search, they located the dog, who was later named Makena, and began the arduous task of trapping her. They spent hours trying to lure Makena into a trap, almost succeeding until a passerby disrupted their efforts.
Eventually, after numerous attempts, Hall and Nakiso succeeded in securing Makena in Hall’s car, headed straight for the vet. Initially, Hall placed Makena in a crate for her comfort, but she soon pulled over and moved her to the front seat.
“And she cuddled tightly into the blankets on my seat,” Hall recounted. “I looked over and saw her nose peeking out from under the blanket. This girl’s month of homelessness was over, and she knew it.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Hall felt a wave of relief seeing Makena’s little nose emerge — a clear sign that she felt safe at last. Upon arriving at Camino Pet Hospital, Makena received a thorough checkup and a soothing bath.
Fortunately, Makena was in good health and immediately cleared for foster care. She quickly found a loving foster home, where she has been flourishing ever since.
Hall reflected on the challenges they faced: “We were there for 5 hours, and she was almost in my trap when a mean neighbor came and kicked the trap, causing her to run in panic.” Makena fled into the darkness, leaving Hall, Nakiso, and the neighborhood that had become her temporary home feeling defeated. They decided to call it a night and resume their efforts the following day.
Luckily, it wasn’t long before Makena returned to the neighborhood. The next morning, she found her way to a kind neighbor named Janet, who had begun leaving food and water for her. “Janet started to really count on that,” Hall noted. Then one night, Janet called Hall, saying, “She is literally following me and my dog everywhere.”
Recognizing an opportunity in Makena’s newfound trust, Hall sprang into action. “This is our chance!” she thought. Typically, Makena would bolt away at the slightest movement, but that night was different.
Hall rushed to Janet’s home and enlisted the help of a neighbor who allowed them to use his yard. Minutes later, Makena followed Janet right into the neighbor’s yard. They had set a trap for her but were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t necessary.
“We got her cornered, and the kind man was able to pick her up,” Hall said. “I literally cried tears of joy the whole way back.” Although Makena is still searching for her forever home, she is reveling in the love and care of her foster family. After a month of survival on the streets, the sweet pup is finally enjoying the comforts of a home filled with affection.
“Makena is such a love,” Hall told The Dodo. “Now she can finally sleep and close both eyes after being homeless for so long.”
