Abandoned, Neglected Pup Travels From California to the Midwest to Find His Happy Ending

The following story is a finalist in the Rescue to Royalty Challenge. Three grand prize winners will receive a $250 shopping spree, while a shelter of their choosing will be awarded $2,000 in cash and needed supplies! You can vote for your favorite story here through May 8!

Abandoned by the “family” of his first five years of life, Roman was unceremoniously dumped at the Downey shelter, substantially underweight and suffering as much from heartbreak and confusion as his severe case of demodectic mange.

Networked as we are with innumerable rescues, shelters, and individuals across the country and around the world, his plea ultimately reached us and touched our heartstrings halfway across the county.

With the help of BarkN’Bitches rescue, fosters, and transport, he arrived at our Minnesota home in May of 2022 to join our current “forevers” who’d arrived here from Arizona, California, Georgia, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Watching Roman heal and blossom into the sensitive, intuitive, playful, caring and carefree soul he was always destined to become, has been a journey of patience, love, and joy… and a testament to his incredible innate character and fortitude!

Loved by everyone he meets, this gentle soul rejoices in the company of all – canine, feline, and human – and will be forever cherished as a member of our family-for-life!

This story was submitted by Stephen Phillips in support of LA County: Downey Animal Care Center. You can read more Rescue to Royalty Challenge stories and vote for your favorite here!