The Palisades Fire, which occurred in mid-January, was one of the most destructive fires in Southern California’s history. The fires caused thousands of animals to suffer burn injuries and displaced many now-homeless animals to shelters. In order to help, dog rescue Wags and Walks decided to pitch in.

Lesley Brog founded Wags and Walks in 2011, aiming to provide the best life possible for unhoused pets. The majority of their rescues are from city and county-run shelters in Los Angeles; however, they also help in hoarding cases. On average, 10-15 dogs are rescued and 15-20 are adopted per week. Wags is also a foster-based rescue, utilizing a team of fosters to care for the dogs since their kennel space is limited. Many dogs rescued from the fires are currently in foster homes, while some are at the facility due to medical concerns.

In January, Wags established a wildfire relief fund to raise money for families affected by the fires and who needed help paying for their pets’ veterinary care or boarding expenses. Wags also offered a community relief grant to them, as well as to organizations and local rescues in need of assistance with their animals. They granted over $30,000 to help more than 75 families. Wags created a supply donation drive and family program, transforming their parking lot into a donation site that collected dog and cat food, beds, blankets, treats, supplements, leashes, bowls and more. The supplies were delivered directly to families.

Due to wildfire damages near impacted shelters, Wags brought 80 dogs back to their facility to help make space at those shelters for displaced and stray pets. This 80-dog pull was a record in Wags’ history, as the team went to a shelter every day of that week to pull dogs.

“They have a lot of wonderful people that donate kits and money to help fund the cost so [we] can be able to do what we do,” Gallego said. “For every dog that comes in, we’re kind of saving two lives. You’re saving that dog, and then another dog can be in the shelter, right until they get saved and adopted. It’s really rewarding.”

Gallego also said no matter what challenges or hardships the Wags team faces, each member of the community tries their best to help each dog become happy and healthy.

“Everybody enjoys being there… And not everybody can say that they enjoy their job,” she said. “Everybody’s really nice, and you see that they are trying to make a difference. So the environment is plus. They rescue so many dogs [and] all the employees know the names of the dogs… It’s like, ‘Wow, that’s amazing.’ So the environment is really nice.”

Sadie White (’28) volunteers with Wags and said whenever she goes to help, she finds the experience calming and fun. She thinks the best thing about volunteering is seeing the dogs and being able to help and connect with them. She enjoys the tender feeling of playing with and taking care of the dogs, and she is happy that Wags offers such a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

“My first day there, after I submitted my application, I walked a small dog… and I walked him with my dad,” White said. “[As] I sat down he just jumped into my arms. He was the sweetest thing, and I think about it every day.”

Brentwood School student Carolina Benabib (’28) decided to volunteer at Wags and Walks because she wanted to find a hobby she was passionate about and included her love for dogs.

“I started in August of last year… [And] I just wanted to find something that I like doing as a volunteer,” Benabib said. “And I really love dogs, so I started volunteering at Wags. Now I have 70-plus hours there.”

Gallego said that despite the rough condition of some dogs rescued, each dog seems to recover to their full potential because of the incredible team of volunteers and staff at Wags. However, she feels the worst part of volunteering at the rescue is that she sees the unhealthy state some dogs are initially in.

“The worst things are, you see dogs in terrible shape, and you know that some of that is due to people, right? Some dogs are abused, and some dogs, they just come in because of neglect,” Gallego said. “Seeing the dogs that come in and what shape they’re in, it’s hard to see them in that condition. But just to know that they got rescued and they’re going to get better… for me, is what makes it worthwhile.”

Benabib said the best way to help out with any rescue, especially Wags and Walks, is to volunteer and show support to the organization. She feels that no matter how much you help, your effort will always be seen and make an impact.

“Wags is always looking for volunteers… I feel like people, a lot of people definitely want to help them,” Benabib said. “It’s one of the most popular charities, and people do a lot of Bat Mitzvah projects for it too. I encouraged my friend to do it.”

Wags is always grateful for the help, according to Gallego. No matter the occasion,  she said Wags will find the best route to success. Even after the fires, she said Wags rose to the occasion to help the Los Angeles community and maneuvered each challenge to receive the best possible outcome.

“You would see a whole bunch of cute little dogs… And you know that they’re going to find good places. And when people adopt, it’s part of their contract that for whatever reason, if you can’t take care of this dog, you have to bring it back to us. Just bring it back. We’ll take it back, you know, and we’ll find a good home,” Gallego said. “Once a Wags dog, always a Wags dog.”

This story was originally published on The Oracle on April 16, 2025.