From Rescue to Companion: Valeria and Her Service Dog Pongo
Adopt Don't Shop: The Journey of our Founder and Her Service Dog Pongo
At Friendsheep, we are committed to supporting rescue organizations that save dogs from the deadly shelter system, where countless animals end up due to irresponsible backyard breeding, a lack of spaying and neutering, and insufficient education among pet owners. Too often, people buy purebred puppies from breeders, only to abandon them as they grow older and more demanding. This cycle of neglect contributes to an overwhelming shelter crisis, affecting dogs of all breeds and ages. However, certain groups—such as pit bulls, black dogs (due to "Black Dog Syndrome"), huskies, shepherds, and working dogs—face even worse odds. In places like Southern California, Texas, and other southern states, nearly 45% of dogs that enter the shelter system as surrenders or strays don’t make it out, they are euthanized to make space for more dogs arriving every day.
At Friendsheep, we partner with rescues across the country to help give these dogs a second chance. There’s so much we can do to help beyond donations—we can foster, and we can adopt shelter and rescue dogs. This is the story of our founder, Valeria Isaacs, and her remarkable rescue dog, Pongo.
Pongo’s Early Life: From Wanted, to Abused
Pongo, a black Labrador, began life loved and wanted, like many other purebred puppies, only to quickly find himself in unimaginable circumstances. After his first year of puppyhood, he spent the following years confined to a crate for 16 hours a day, neglected and abused by owners who were no longer interested in him. During this time, he developed severe separation anxiety and was placed on heavy medications like Prozac and other opioid-like sedatives, which masked his trauma instead of treating it.
When Pongo’s condition worsened, and his owners were about to give up on him, his vet, worried, reached out to West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue (WCLRR). The rescue team quickly stepped in and saved Pongo, giving him a second chance at life.
A New Beginning with WCLRR fosters
Pongo arrived at WCLRR in a very fragile state—both physically and emotionally. Underweight and still under the influence of heavy medications, Pongo was scarred by years of neglect and suffered from separation anxiety. He was labeled a "special needs dog" and his complex health and behavioral needs made adoption unlikely. At five and a half years old and being a black dog, his chances of finding a home were slim.
In the world of animal rescue, there’s a tragic stigma surrounding black dogs, often referred to as "Black Dog Syndrome." Dogs with black coats tend to be less noticeable in shelters, which results in longer adoption times. Some even perceive them as scarier or evil. Because of this, in some high intake shelters, black dogs are twice as likely to be euthanized as their lighter-colored counterparts, as they are often passed over by adopters. Despite his affectionate nature and strong desire to please, Pongo spent three months in foster care, where he was loved and nurtured, but no one came forward to adopt him. Many potential adopters saw him as "damaged" and passed him by.
The Power of Adoption: A Loving Family for Pongo
Meanwhile, Valeria’s family was grieving the loss of their beloved dog, Valeria’s former service dog. Her young kids, heartbroken, were dreaming of a new dog when they came across Pongo’s story on the WCLRR website. His tale of neglect, his love for tennis balls, and the pictures of him patiently waiting for a family touched their hearts. They were determined to help this dog in need and asked their parents if they could adopt Pongo, hoping he could fill the void left by their previous dog.
Despite knowing Pongo would need special care, Valeria and her family couldn’t resist. They saw beyond the labels and recognized his potential, intelligence, and capacity for love.
When Pongo arrived in his new home, he was anxious and stressed, still under medications, but also eager to learn and he quickly bonded with his new family. Valeria soon noticed something special in him. So special that she wondered if he could be more than just a family dog—he had the potential to be a service dog.
Pongo’s Transformation: From Rescue to Service Dog
Determined to help Pongo thrive, Valeria, with guidance from a vet, weaned him off his medications and enrolled him in a training program with a trusted trainer who specializes in rescue dogs and service dog training. In just a few weeks, Pongo transformed. He calmed down, learned to walk properly on a leash, pick up items from the ground, and follow commands. He began walking alongside Valeria’s wheelchair, showing a natural instinct to assist.
Valeria worked with Pongo every day for months, reinforcing his training in public places and at home. Their bond grew stronger, and Pongo’s confidence blossomed. He no longer resembled the scared, drugged dog from his past. After six months of intensive and rewarding training, Pongo was ready to take his service dog exam. He passed with flying colors, impressing everyone with his skills and calm demeanor. From a dog no one wanted, he became a brilliant service dog.
Why Adoption Matters
If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, please consider adoption. Your best friend might be waiting in a shelter, just like Pongo was waiting for Valeria’s family.
Pongo’s journey from a neglected, medicated dog to a skilled, loving service dog is a testament to resilience and love. Every dog deserves a chance to be loved, no matter their color, breed, age, or past. Let’s change the statistics and save lives. Adopt, don’t shop.
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