Our Impact in Monterey County

California continues to face an overpopulation crisis, and Monterey County is no exception. We proudly partner with Hitchcock Road Animal Services, our local animal shelter, which often relies on rescues like SCAR to save dogs and cats on the verge of euthanasia. Many animals are surrendered to us by their owners when they face difficult circumstances that force them to rehome their pets.

Most of the pets we rescue have suffered from abuse, trauma, neglect, abandonment, or, in the worst cases, all of the above. Our devoted Animal Champions volunteer countless hours to save as many animals as possible. Giving our furry friends a second chance at life is at the heart of everything we do.

Cash lives the retired life after being rescued!
2025

Cash came into the shelter as a stray, severely emaciated. After 4 days in foster care, he vomited up 2 large pairs of socks, plastic pieces and small rocks. Our TAILS handlers quickly turned his life around. He received love, training, and attention, which helped him heal.

It was there that his new mom fell instantly in love with him.

This December was exceptionally special for Cash! His mom is retiring, and they will get to spend every single day together. This sweet boy will now enjoy retirement with his mom and a new swimming pool!

Making Miracles

2025

Dogs like Summer are often the most unwanted and most difficult to care for. We know her prospects for an adopted home might be far and a long time to come. Still, we believe she deserves a second chance at life.

We heard the cry for help from our friends at Hitchcock Road Animal Services. It was the end of summer, and Summer desperately needed medical care. She was found in a ditch.

A broken humerus bone, broken teeth, and road rash lead us to believe she may have fallen off a moving vehicle or worse, was probably pushed and left for dead.

In only a couple of months, with adequate vet care and an abundance of love and care, Summer has a clean bill of health. She's ready to meet her human.

Healing Happens Here!

Nugget came to SCAR after arriving at the shelter as a stray with inflamed, irritated skin and patches of missing fur from her shoulders to her hindquarters. Once in SCAR’s care, she was treated to soothing medicated baths and plenty of extra love.

Nugget was looking for a home where she could be the only dog. At an adoption event, her future mom came to meet another pup but instantly felt a special connection with her instead!

Nugget, now called Bailey Rose, is happily settled into her new life with her family in Soledad. She instantly brought joy and love to their home, helping to heal their hearts after the loss of their beloved dog.

A post adoption love note

I just wanted to send you an update on Bailey Rose. Although she was a rescue and fortunate that SCAR took her in, she has "rescued" our family's broken heart. Bailey has truly brought so much love and spunk to our home. She is still 100% a lovebug and wants constant belly rubs. I just wanted to thank you for entrusting my family to provide her with a loving home.

— Bailey’s mom

missy before_edited_edited_edited_edited

Missy Comes Home to SCAR

Missy was found in an incredibly dire state of health. We may not have all the details of her past, but her body tells a story of neglect.

Whether it be intentional or not, Missy was starving for love and affection, and sadly, in the very literal sense as well. Her shelter profile described her as: emaciated with sores on lateral points of both hind limbs, suspect pressure sores secondary to loss of muscle mass, secondary to starvation, stained fur on all 4 limbs suspiciously linked to unsanitary living environment.

All of these are terms that clearly indicate neglect, abuse, and abandonment.

Foster Mom, Nicole Dominguez

2024

Saving Sandy

2024

Your generosity brings healing!

Sandy became part of the SCAR Family of Pets when her owner passed away. Sandy is a big puppy who had grown up around dogs, cats, and livestock. She was rough and playful. With lots of patience and dedicated training from her foster mama Nicole, she was able to adapt to a calm family environment. Within the first couple of months, Nicole noticed an unusual lump on Sandy's neck. Upon alerting our Dog Team Coordinator, Monica, they quickly took action to provide Sandy with the necessary medical care.

Following a short stay in the hospital, Sandy returned home to recover on her big, comfy dog bed. Remarkably, she resumed her daily hikes with her foster family and canine siblings within just a few days. Sandy is now adopted and living her best life on a huge ranch in rural South Monterey County.

The highlight of Sandy's veterinary visit and recovery was the overwhelming support and contributions that came from you. Our rescue's shoestring budget falls short of covering medical expenses, especially in the face of such emergencies. When we say that we can not fulfill our mission without you, by golly, we mean it!

Ricky was rescued from a backyard where his fur was matted and infested with fleas. After being shaved and treated, he was adopted into a loving home. His coat grew back beautifully, and now he’s winning numerous awards in scent and agility competitions.

Ricky

Lunulata made an incredible recovery in just seven weeks, from the time we rescued her to when she found her forever home. She’s now happy and thriving with her new family, all thanks to the amazing care and support from her foster!

Lunulata

2022

Rosie was abandoned, hit by a car, and left for dead. Thanks to everyone's generous donations, we raised $4,000 to cover the surgery and care she desperately needed. Although she suffered nerve damage that required her leg to be amputated, she has made a full recovery and is now happily adopted!

Rosie

2021

Timmy and Tony, two brothers, were left in poor condition after their owner passed away. They suffered from severe matting and skin issues caused by the use of diapers. After being rescued and receiving care from their foster, they made a full recovery. Now, both are happily adopted!

Timmy & Tony