When Rescue Can't Wait
Our goal is to give every dog the medical care, time, and support they need to be ready for a successful transition into their forever home.
While our dogs are getting ready for their forever homes through decompression, rehabilitation, and socialization, they are also receiving standard veterinary care to support their current health and help ensure a healthy future.
Meet Ivy a true survivor
Ivy was found abandoned on an empty lot,
skin and bones, severely dehydrated, terrified of humans, and suffering from a terrible case of mange. Her skin was so irritated that she would scratch herself until she bled.
The moment we saw her, there was no question. We were taking her with us.
Her road to recovery was long, and it wasn’t always easy. But with time, medical care, patience, and so much love, Ivy slowly began to heal, not only on the outside, but on the inside too.
Today, the scared little girl we found on that empty lot is almost unrecognizable. She has become the sweetest, most loving, beautiful girl. She trusts. She plays. She loves. And most importantly, she wags her tail again.
And now comes the part we dreamed about from the very beginning...
Ivy will be heading to her forever home in mid-October!
Watching her transformation reminds us exactly why we do this. Seeing Ivy happy and watching that tail wag has changed us, too. She has made us stronger, more compassionate, and a better rescue.
This is what second chances look like.
From abandoned and afraid… to loved, healed, and finally going HOME.
Draco, a survivor in every
sense of the word
Draco was only one year old, still just a puppy, when he experienced unimaginable cruelty. Someone tried to kill him with a machete, leaving a large, deep wound across his head.
The moment Draco came to us, we rushed him to the ER. We didn’t know what his future would look like, but Draco showed us just how strong and resilient he was.
He fought. He healed. And little by little, he learned to trust again.
The scar on his head will always be part of his story, but it does not define him. What defines Draco is his incredible ability to forgive. Despite what a human did to him, the love, patience, and kindness he received during his recovery taught him that not all humans are cruel.
And now, Draco’s story gets the ending he deserves...
HE’S ADOPTED!
Draco will soon be heading to Pennsylvania, where he’ll become part of a pack of five dogs and finally have the family, safety, and life that should have been his all along.
From surviving the unimaginable... to being chosen, loved, and going HOME.
They may carry the scars of their past, but we get the privilege of helping write the rest of their story.
Pascal's Second Chance
Pascal’s story began at a tire shop in Mexico, where his family watched helplessly as their beloved Pug became increasingly sick. They didn’t know what was wrong with him, and unfortunately, they didn’t have the financial means to take him to a veterinarian.
For nearly three days, Pascal had stopped eating and drinking water. He was weak, uncomfortable, and clearly in need of urgent medical attention.
When we learned about Pascal, we knew we couldn’t wait.
We immediately stepped in and rushed him to the veterinarian. What the veterinary team discovered was heartbreaking: Pascal had a large pork bone lodged in his throat. The bone had caused a serious infection, explaining why he had been unable to eat or drink.
Thanks to the quick action of his family, our rescue team, and the incredible veterinary care he received, Pascal was given the emergency treatment he desperately needed. After removing the bone and treating the infection, Pascal began his journey back to health.
And today, we are so happy to say that Pascal made a full recovery!
His story could have ended very differently, but because someone chose to ask for help—and because we were able to say yes, Pascal got his second chance.
Today, Pascal is living his best life in Iowa, surrounded by love, comfort, and a family of his own. The little Pug who once couldn't eat or drink is now doing what every dog deserves to do: living, loving, and being spoiled.
Pascal is a reminder of why we do what we do. Many of the dogs we encounter in Mexico are loved by families who simply don't have the resources to afford emergency veterinary care. We believe that financial hardship should never mean a dog has to lose its chance at life.
From Stray To Stay is here to give dogs like Pascal a second chance. From emergency medical care to rescue, rehabilitation, and finding loving forever homes, every donation helps us say yes when a dog desperately needs us.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to step in and a rescue willing to fight for them.
Meet Ranger, a true warrior
At just 2 months old, Ranger had already experienced more pain than any puppy ever should. After suffering abuse at the hands of his owners, a Good Samaritan stepped in, got him out of that situation, and brought him to our rescue.
We knew immediately that Ranger deserved a chance.
Unfortunately, saving his life meant making one of the hardest decisions we face in rescue: his leg had to be amputated.
But giving up on him was never an option.
We went above and beyond to make sure Ranger received everything he needed, his surgery, medical care, recovery, and most importantly, all the love and comfort a little puppy could ask for.
And Ranger showed us exactly what it means to be resilient. He fought. He healed. He adapted. And he never let losing a leg take away his beautiful spirit.
Today, Ranger has officially hit the jackpot.
He’s living an amazing life with his forever family in the U.S., surrounded by the love and safety he deserved from the very beginning.
From an abused 2-month-old puppy fighting for his life... to a happy, loved little tripod living his best life.
This is why we rescue. This is why we never give up.
Proper records and documentation will be provided upon completion of adoption for your new pet and will include:
Physical Examination
Vaccinations
Parasite Control
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Microchipping
A complete nose-to-tail check by a licensed veterinarian to assess general health, weight, and age.
Core vaccinations including Rabies, DAPP (Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus), and Bordetella (kennel cough).
Treatment for intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms), fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease, alongside preventative medications.
Sterilization procedure performed prior to adoption, if applicable depending on the age of the dog and per the adoption contract agreement.
Implantation of an ISO-compliant microchip for permanent identification and owner registration.
New World Screwworm (NWS) Certification – Entering the U.S. from Mexico
Because Mexico is considered affected by the New World screwworm, dogs entering the United States from Mexico require a screwworm-freedom certification
Health Certificates for Interstate – Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for US Adoptions, not from Mexico
An official document issued by a licensed
veterinarian stating that an animal is free of infectious or communicable
diseases.