"WHAT IS A MAGICAL UNICORN?" you may ask. WELL, MAGICAL UNICORNS ARE AMAZING DOGS WHO, FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, HAVE SIMPLY BEEN OVERLOOKED AT CROWDED SHELTERS.
They are dogs who may not run to the front of their kennel to greet visitors, so they're less frequently seen. Perhaps they're shy, or maybe they just don't do well in the stressful shelter environment. Maybe they have a treatable medical condition and just need someone to give them a little extra care. Whatever the reason, these dogs find themselves running out of time at the shelter. Previously overlooked, once you get these Magical Unicorns out of the shelter and into a loving foster or forever home, they reach their full potential as happy, loving companions!
ALICE
AGE: 7 years WEIGHT: 79 lbs BREED: Labrador Retriever / Bullmastiff mix
Hi, I'm Alice and I'm basically a bear cub trapped in a dog's body! I'm sweet as honey and just adore everyone I meet, unless you're a cat. I don't love kitties. I'm a mellow, old gal looking for a place to retire. Send me a note if you think you've got the perfect retirement home for me!
You can also watch a video of me here! And another one here!
NAVY BEAN
AGE: 3 Months WEIGHT: 5 lbs BREED: Terrier / Chihuahua mix
Hi! My name is Navy. I am one of the 7 puppies from the “bean soup” litter. I am white, tan and extra cute. They think I might grow up to be 20-30pounds. I’m still a baby and learning the ways of dog-hood and looking for someone to teach me. I am really smart and catch on quick, especially if teaching involves a lot of treats (YUM!). Like most puppies, I am very active, playful, and love to run around. I love playing with other dogs and humans. If I am not playing, I enjoy cuddling with my human, although I also love my crate because I feel safe there. Get in touch if you’d like to meet me!
CHACHO
AGE: 8 Years WEIGHT: 90 lbs BREED: Bulldog/Mastiff Mix
HI! My name is Chacho and I am the BEST!!!! Truly-the BEST! At least that is what everyone says! Ok, fine, I'm a tad overweight (ahem more than a tad) but I was JUST rescued so give me time to get my bod back! I'm teetering on 100 lbs right now and I need to lose at least 25 lbs. I am FABULOUS with all dogs and kids and I THINK I would be ok with cats. I just want to snack and sleep. Call me!
Who wants to see a cute video of me relaxing ? Everybody? OK.
CHALUPA
AGE: 10 Years WEIGHT: 110 lbs BREED: Lab/Bloodhound Mix
Hiya, my name is Chalupa. As you can see, I am a curvy, mature woman that don't need no man. Ok, that's a lie. I would love a man or woman or a family to take care of me. I am working on my fitness, be my witness? My heart is even bigger than my backside, but I promise to love you for the rest of my days. I am great with other dogs and would love to meet the right one(s) who can help me on my journey to becoming happier and healthier. I can't wait to meet you!
See how good I look in slo mo!
CHASE
AGE: 11 Years WEIGHT: 90 lbs BREED:
Belgian Malinois
Hi. My name is Chase and I am VERY special! My owners lost their home and I was forced to be separated from my two best pug friends. Luckily, Rescue came to get me out of the shelter and got a very big fatty mass removed and also took my big yucky spleen out as well (they did a gastric tie back surgery while I was under b/c this is important for big barrel chested dogs like me). I am feeling so much better-still recovering from surgery-but I am in a great foster home with an awesome dog! I am sight impaired. This does not deter me one bit but I would LOVE a home with another dog who can be my seeing eye dog :)
I weigh around 90 lbs. I'm 11 years old. I am a very gentle giant. Please fill out an adoption application on the website if you would like to schedule a visit. I am being fostered in Orange County.
CHERYL
AGE: 10 Years WEIGHT: 10 lbs BREED: Poodle (Miniature)/Bichon Frise Mix
hi. my name is Cheryl and I am delightful!!! I'm brand new to rescue and currently recovering after having my eye removed. Don't worry I am FINE! I feel so much better now! I'm good with dogs and cats but please check back in soon once I've settled into my foster routine. xo
DAN DAN NOODLE LEVY - Adoption Pending
AGE: 2 years WEIGHT: 10 lbs BREED: Maltese mix
Hey guys. It's Dan Dan. I don't know if you noticed the big smile on my face in my photo, but it's because the nice folks at APR saved me from the shelter. I was hit by a car and had some crazy damage...including a torn bladder! Can you believe I was still up walking around and being sweet as can be? I'm currently relaxing in my foster home and getting ready for my next surgery to fix my hip and then I get to be the totally healthy and happy dude I deserve to be. Stay tuned for updates!
DELTA - Adoption Pending
AGE: 15 years WEIGHT: 24 lbs BREED: Affenpinscher/Labradoodle Mix
They call me Delta do-right because I always do-right by my peeps! That's because I basically love everyone and everything I meet. Even cats!
While I may be a mature lady, don't let that fool you. I have a pep in my step and love to go on walks and hang with my foster fam. I do require daily medication to manage my cushings condition though. My foster Mom says I'm the nicest, I'm quiet in the house, and I would make for an easy companion!
If you're looking for a new BFF, drop me a line. Xo.
DOTTIE THE ROTTIE
AGE: 8 years WEIGHT: 93 lbs BREED: Rottweiler
Have you ever seen such a sweet face?! Now you have! And it's mine, Dottie the Rottie. Word on the street is that I am the NICEST lady around even though I was in quite a bit of pain when I came into the shelter. Lucky for me, the awesome shelter volunteers and staff let APR know that I needed to be a Magical Unicorn. I recently had successful ACL surgery and feel like a new dog. Get in touch if you'd like to hear all about it or see me walk...like a new dog. Love, Dottie.
Here’s a close-up video of my adorable face. Wanna hear me sing?
DUTCHESS
AGE: 15 years WEIGHT: 16 lbs BREED: Maltipoo
My name is Dutchess. (It's Dutchess with a T because I'm TERRIFIC). I'm a mature gal looking to spend my golden years loved and cherished in a comfy home. I was surrendered at the shelter with significant medical issues but am now doing better. I will ne ongoing medical care for a heart condition and my eyes. And I'm going to be taking pills for the rest of my life. That's okay. Maybe we can put them in cheese? I love my walks and I love my FOOD! So if you'd like to treat a Dutchess like a queen, get in touch.
I have a video. I even have a speaking part. You can also check out how snuggly I am here.
GILBERT
AGE: 7 years WEIGHT: 60 Ibs BREED: American Staffordshire Terrier
Hi I`m Gilbert! I just spent 8 months in a shelter, can you believe it? It was stressful but I survived!! Now thankfully I am free and I am getting used to the outside world and having the best time!
I am a BIG softy and I LOVE other dogs! Big, small, young, old, loud, quiet-nothing phases me. I am loving foster home life and working on house breaking. I have a little separation anxiety but crate training is helping me a ton! Oh, I'm also learning that stairs go up and down...still working on the down part hehe. My foster Mom says I am a great nap partner and would love to be someone's shadow. I do have some arthritis that I take meds for but it does not slow me down and I even chase toys around. I really love to wiggle on the carpet on my back!
If you want to get to know me and give me the love I`m looking for then get in touch and you know I will give that love back tenfold!
GINGER
AGE: 9 years WEIGHT: 37 Ibs BREED: American Staffordshire Terrier
My name is Ginger. I am such a nice, petite (37 lbs) 9 year old gal! I love car rides, hikes, and beach outings. I am very good with other dogs. I live every moment to the fullest and I bring sunshine where I go! I'm looking for a person(s) who think I'm the bee's knees and want to spend a lifetime with me filled with lots of love and fun!
HELGA HOTSKIN
AGE: 10 years WEIGHT: 15 Ibs BREED: Chinese Crested/Poodle (Miniature) Mix
Hi!!
My name is Helga! Helga Hotskins! I am a super awesome semi senior (around 10/11 years old so still spry but also not the type to go down to the track and sprint with ya) and I am a CATCH!
Here are some things my Foster Family says about me...
Great with other dogs
Very attentive to her people and super loving. Very much enjoys head pets and closes her eyes and stretches her neck out in the cutest way when you pet her head
Very food oriented
Super quiet! Haven’t heard a bark yet
Great on the leash
Hairless but her skin is getting better and seeing some new hair growing in. Should expect to feed her the finer things in life and stay away from chicken.
Likes pjs.
Here’s a video of me dressed like a lion. Rawr.
KIPPY
AGE: 12 years WEIGHT: 14 lbs BREED: Jack Russell Terrier mix
Hi! I'm Kippy! I'm a peach! I am a spry 12 year old (14 lb) dog and my foster Mom says I'm a bottomless love bucket.
I want YOU, period. She also says I'm quirky, cute and so perfectly mannered. I'm a gran gran so I nap quite frequently but don't let this fool you - I have a 5th gear and can be ready to go in a heartbeat. I am playful, loving and fun with the most loving disposition unless of course you're a puppy or you are another four legged furry that shows her too much attention. I really only have eyes for my human...I'm fine with other dogs but they're just other dogs.
My foster Mom calls me Kippy Gran Gran Wonder Dog so if you're looking for a little magic in your life send me a note!
See what a love I am here!
LUCKY LUANN
AGE: 7 Years WEIGHT: 65 lbs BREED: Dutch Shepherd / Hound mix
Hello, I’m Lucky Luann and a very good girl. I’m so well-behaved that I was the playground “greeter” at the shelter. It was a fun job, but now I’m ready to greet my new forever family. As you can see, I have a pretty brindle coat and a very thoughtful gaze. If you feel like I’m your lucky dog, come meet me.
LUPINA BEAN
AGE: 10 Months WEIGHT: 9 lbs BREED: Chihuahua/Pug Mix
Hi Hi Hi! Lupina Bean is my name and fun is my game! I'm a youngster-around 10/11 months old! I was taken to the shelter with my Mom and my baby siblings (they were 5 weeks old). My poor Mom! Anywhoooooo, we're safe! I'm recovering from cherry eye surgery (looks worse than it feels promise) so please don't hold my lampshade look against me. I'm the nicest dog! Currently fostered with other dogs, crate trained, and doing brilliantly with house training! I would do best in a home with another pup. Wanna meet me?
MAMA BEANS
AGE: 2 Years WEIGHT: 20 lbs BREED: Chihuahua/Corgi Mix
They say self care is important, right?! Well, now that I've been an excellent Mama and all my puppies are being adopted it's time for a little ME time!
I was left at the South LA shelter by my former owner with an entire litter of 7 puppies plus my other younger daughter. Can you believe that?! Lucky for me, A Purposeful Rescue was there to bust me out so my kiddos could hang somewhere safe and loving with me until they were ready to find homes of their own. All that being said, it's time for me to find my forever home! I'm very sweet, I love to snuggle in your lap, and I'm generally a pretty mellow gal...being a a parent wears you out.
If you're looking for a sweet lady to join your family, send me a note!
MR. WHISKERS
AGE: 12 years WEIGHT: 12 lbs BREED: Miniature Schnauzer
Hi! My name is Mr Whiskers. I'm 12 years old. I am brand new to rescue so check back in soon
POTATO PANCAKE
AGE: 2 years WEIGHT: 45 lbs BREED: Bulldog Mix
Hi. My name is Potato Pancake but my friends call me Tato. I am looking for an experienced bully home who can provide lots of leadership and lots of boundaries. I am initially fearful, but once I trust you I am great. I am good with dogs as long as there is a proper introduction. Basically, I need a human who will keep me in check so I can continue being a lovely, balanced gal. No kids, sorry! I can't wait to meet you. xo
SAMMIE
AGE: 9 years WEIGHT: 15 lbs BREED: Wheaton Terrier/Cairn Terrier mix
Hello, I'm Sammie! Nice to meet you! I'm 7 years old and I weigh 18 lbs. I'm adorable! I am also very kind and my foster family cannot say enough nice things about me! Here's some info about me: I'm house broken, good with my foster dogs but can be particular with other dogs, don't like cats, LOVE kids, have some skin issues so I take medication to make me not itch ahhhh. I'm real cute and real fun!
My foster Mom thinks I would do best in a home with a yard because I love to run around and sun myself. I can also be a little vocal when left alone for too long so if you have long work days I may not be the pup for you. It's only because I love my people SO much! You can see it for yourself in this video.
Check out my Marnie the Dog impression and adoption video, and drop me a line if you'd like to meet.
SEASHELL
AGE: 2 years WEIGHT: 9 lbs BREED: Shih Tzu mix
I'm Seashell. I'm an itty-bitty Shih Tzu who was found in horrible condition. I was matted, flea-infested, with scabs on my rear. I was shaved, bathed and sent home with antibiotics and I am feeling so much better. In a couple weeks I will be as good as new! I am initially shy so a home with young kids is not ideal. I am good with other dogs, but so far I am not super into the whole playing thing. I am more of a watcher. Calm, polite dogs who like to sit and watch the world go by are my speed.
Wanna see me pretend to be a pillow? Watch this.
SLUG
AGE: 9 years WEIGHT: 9 lbs BREED: Miniature Pinscher / Chihuahua mix
Hi. My name is Slug! I'm around 9-10 years old and I weigh 11 lbs (ahem, but I am on a diet because I SHOULD weigh around 8/9 lbs). What can I say? I'm a foodie! This good boy is new to rescue, and I need to see a neurologist because I walk kinda funny. We are going to find out what is going on and get back to you on that! I can walk — just not on slippery surfaces. I LOVE other dogs! I love kids! I like being a couch potato while you watch TV. Oh and I like to eat bananas. How good does that sound? Call me.
Here’s me having a ball…with a ball.
SUSHI
AGE: 8 Years WEIGHT: 55 lbs BREED: Labrador Retriever/German Shepherd Dog Mix
hi. My name is Sushi. I'm around 8 years old and I was rescued from the South LA Shelter with a horrible skin condition mostly due to allergies and flea's. I am feeling a lot better because I am on meds and get special bathe's a couple times of week. I also am eating a healthy diet. I am good with other dogs who are larger than 25 lbs-NO SMALL DOGS for me. No cats either. I would be good with kids. I am easy going. Crate trained. House broken and love to sunbathe and relax. Wanna meet me?.
TOAST - Adoption Pending
AGE: 12 Years WEIGHT: 20 lbs BREED: Dachshund/Beagle Mix
Hi. My name is Toast. I like to take naps. Exercise...meh. I'll do it if you want me to but I really prefer naps and snuggles. I am very tidy. No accidents in the house. I love my crate and will be just find if you go out and want to leave me for a bit. I will be thrilled upon your return...especially if you bring me snacks. I also have perma derp face-everyone thinks I'm sad but I can assure you NOPE-i am not. I am fine. I had a mass removed from my, ahem, gentleman area. I'm healing nicely and am now just looking for someone to spend my golden years with. Wanna meet me?
TROUSERS
AGE: 9 years WEIGHT: 15 lbs BREED: Terrier mix
Hi, my name is Trousers. I’m a little bit overweight, but I like to think of myself as a gourmand. I’m eating a healthy diet now and getting more exercise. I guess you could call me Workout Trousers now. When I’m good, I get a tiny slice of apple as a treat. If you’d like to meet a mature gentleman and reformed snacker like me, get in touch. Maybe we could go for a walk…and then have some apple.
Start the car! It’s my getaway video.
WHOOPIE
AGE: 5 years WEIGHT: 65 lbs BREED: Bulldog / Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix
Hello, my name is Whoopie…as in “Whoopie! We’re getting a really great dog!” I’m crate-trained and house-broken, plus I graduated from obedience school. I also go to the office with my foster mom, so I guess that makes me a working dog. Did I mention I have a signature move? I like to bow down playfully to tell dogs and people I’m ready to play. Sometimes I even do it to myself in the mirror. If you’d like to say “Whoopie!” every time you see me, get in touch.
Here’s my signature move.
ZITI - Adoption Pending
AGE: 3 years WEIGHT: 7 lbs BREED: Italian Greyhound / Chihuahua mix
Hi. My name is Ziti and I'm FUN! I also have legs for days and days! I'm an itty, bitty lady who loves to play as much as I love to romp around! You can find me on Instagram with the hashtag #zitithemagicalunicorn Are you in the mood for some Ziti? Get in touch.
unicorns ON DECK
BALFOUR - Adoption Pending
AGE: 5 Months WEIGHT: 8 lbs BREED: Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Hi, I'm Balfour! While I am very much going to be a terrier puppy looking forward to lots of terrier puppy like activities like running around and chewing on toys and generally being adorable I'm currently recovering from a big hip surgery from my super awesome surgeon Dr. Balfour so I will be on crate rest for another month. Check back for updates
OTTO LUDWICK
AGE: 10 Months WEIGHT: 48 lbs BREED: Labrador Retriever/Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
Hi~My name is Otto! Otto Ludwick! I arrived at the shelter with a broken leg and lucky for me the nice people from APR came and rescued me! Luckily, my leg can heal in a month or so with a cast and crate rest so no surgery was needed-phew! Crate rest is pretty boring but I get it...it's just a month! I'm around 10 months old and I weigh just under 50 lbs. I want to play and run and once I am healed up I would love a hiking/running partner! Wanna meet me? You know you do!