Save A Bow Wow Rescue was founded in August 2009 by Mandy, who had just purchased her first home. Eager to find the perfect dog for her lifestyle, she researched extensively. All tests pointed to a French Bulldog as the best match. However, in 2009, these dogs were rare and hard to find in a shelter. Mandy checked the OC Animal Shelter’s website daily, refreshing the page hourly to catch any new arrivals.

One day, on her lunch break, she refreshed the page and there she was—“Lola.” Lola had been adopted from the shelter, she was returned just two days later for a refund. Although she was no French Bulldog, but rather a small mutt with big ears; Mandy got in her car and headed to the shelter.  She called the shelter and ascertained more information. At which time she learned that Lola was RETURNED FOR A REFUND. Lola was returned because she “was not house trained and barked too much.” Mandy couldn’t believe someone would give up a dog so quickly! Let alone return a dog for a refund!

Without hesitation, Mandy walked through the outdoor shelter kennels, and saw Lola for the first time (photo of this moment, below). Above her kennel, the word “RETURNED” in large letters. Lola was barking excitedly, and in that moment, Mandy knew she had to adopt her. As she walked to the office to pay the adoption fee, a shelter volunteer asked if she was really going to adopt “the brat.” Mandy was taken aback—Lola had already earned an unfavorable nickname.

After leaving the shelter, Lola hopped into Mandy’s car, and they headed back to work together. Mandy returned to her office with her newly rescued dog, and from that point on, Lola became “the best dog in the world,” as Mandy would describe her. This experience ignited a passion in Mandy to help more dogs like Lola find loving homes.

Determined to make a difference, Mandy began volunteering with another rescue organization. However, she quickly grew frustrated with their approach and inability to take into consideration foster parent feedback. Foster parents know their dogs intimately, living with them as part of the family for however long it may take till adoption. Mandy felt her insights about her foster dog’s needs were heavily overlooked, leading to placements that didn’t suit the dogs specific unique needs and interests. After one year, her foster dog was adopted. The lack of consideration made her realize that change was necessary in the rescue community.

Fueled by her passion, Mandy set out to start an animal rescue that was volunteer emphasized. Mandy founded Save A Bow Wow Rescue, emphasizing a model where adoptions are heavily influenced by foster homes’ feedback and recommendations. Under her leadership, every adopted dog is microchipped to the rescue, ensuring they always have a safe way back home if needed. Since the rescue’s inception, only a handful of dogs have ever been returned, highlighting the importance of taking our time as a collaborative effort to find each dog their right homes; unique and specific to each dog.

Tragically, Mandy lost her beloved Lola in early 2022, a loss that profoundly affected and forever changed her. This heartache spurred the rescue to expand. On June 26, 2023, Save A Bow Wow Rescue became a legal nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) and is now registered as a 509(a)(2) public charity.

We are fortunate to have built a team of incredible volunteers and foster parents who share our vision. Even as a nonprofit, our principal focus remains the same; finding quality homes rather than saving pets in quantity. We believe that if an adoption is done right the first time, the dog will never need re-saving. However, if they do, we will always be here.

Our story certainly has more to come…… stay tuned. Were just getting started!

“LOLA”

Lola’s DNA testing revealed she was;

25% Bulldog(standard), 25%Pomeranian, 12.5% Boston Terrier, 12.5% French Bulldog, 12.5% Pug and remaining 12.5% in these groups: Sporting, Terrier, Herding, Companion