“He wanted help so bad” 💔

While residents in Southern California took shelter during a 5.2-magnitude earthquake last month, one stray pup in Los Angeles found himself abandoned on a quiet street. Lying at the end of a cul-de-sac behind a school, the shaggy stray dog survived the tremor alone — but when someone finally discovered him hours later, he was still trembling from the shock.

“[There were] sticks in his fur, and [he was] shaking and scared,” Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, wrote on Facebook. “[The] poor baby was probably so scared when we had that earthquake.”

Hall and her dedicated volunteer, Mary Nakiso, rushed to the school as soon as they heard about the poor dog, later named Royce. Nakiso arrived first, and what she found next to the abandoned dog broke her heart.

“Food and water was left for him,” Hall wrote.

Nakiso was devastated to know that the person who left food and water for Royce didn’t try to save him. But as she waited for Hall to arrive, Nakiso promised Royce they wouldn’t leave him behind.

“[The] sweet baby boy was just ready to be helped. He wanted help so bad,” Hall wrote. “I couldn’t leave that little baby [lying] there, scared and shaking.”

When Hall arrived, the experienced rescuer searched for items to block Royce from running away, like gates and trash cans. But as Nakiso and Hall closed in on Royce, expecting him to bolt, they were shocked by his reaction.

“He let me just put a slip lead around his neck,” Hall wrote. “He didn’t even budge. He was just thankful that he was finally safe.”

Hall carried Royce to her van and quickly shuttled him to Camino Pet Hospital, where he received a complete checkup and a soothing bath. Thankfully, Royce’s exams showed he was healthy, and he soon embarked on his next great adventure: a makeover.

The loving veterinary staff shaved away Royce’s fur, one dense mat at a time. Before long, the mop-like dog was clear of sticks and knotted hair, revealing a delighted and grateful smile.

Royce was soon cleared for foster care, and he quickly found a loving family to stay with. He’s still on the hunt for his forever family, but as of now, the sweet boy is happier than ever.

“Royce is still smiling today,” Hall told The Dodo. “Finally safe with his foster.”

To help dogs like Royce get the care they need, you can donate to Logan’s Legacy 29 here.

To inquire about adopting Royce, you can email Suzette Hall at [email protected].