.At just 2 years old, Zena — a stunning German Shepherd mix with a long, fluffy coat — was betrayed in the most heartbreaking way. Her owner walked her into Baldwin Park Animal Care and surrendered her to be euthanized. When asked why, the man explained that his wife had recently had a baby, and she insisted the dog could no longer stay.

Ren, from our rescue partner Melita’s Dream Animal Rescue happened to be at the shelter filming dogs in need when she witnessed the moment. She gently asked the man why he was leaving Zena behind. His answer was simple but devastating: “We had a baby. I work all day. My wife can’t handle both.”

Ren reminded him that owner surrenders are at extremely high risk for euthanasia in overcrowded shelters like Baldwin Park. He nodded, understanding. Still, he walked away. Before leaving, he asked for Ren’s phone number to check on Zena.

He never called.

Zena’s story could have ended there. In overcrowded Southern California shelters, German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes are among the first to be euthanized — often victims of backyard breeding and overwhelmed facilities. Most never make it out alive.

But thanks to the tireless efforts of Melita’s Dream Animal Rescue and the Heigl Foundation, Zena was rescued on October 7th. She took her freedom walk — eyes wide, tail wagging, unsure but hopeful. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter.