When Mama Gladice arrived at the Lancaster Animal Care Center in Southern California with her four puppies, no one knew much about her past. She’d been found wandering the streets, doing everything she could to keep her babies safe.
For a week, Gladice and her little family shared a kennel at the shelter. Then, one by one, each puppy found a loving forever home — until only Gladice was left behind.
“[Mama] Gladice was always pretty quiet and shy,” volunteer Evelyn Garces told The Dodo. “But once her babies were adopted and she was alone, she seemed completely different. All I ever saw her do after that was either sleep or lie down. I never saw her smile or even wag her tail.”
Without her puppies, Gladice seemed lost. She didn’t understand why her family was gone or why she couldn’t go with them. The once-dutiful mother now spent her days in silence, her spirit fading a little more each day.
“She just seemed so sad all the time,” Garces said. “It was like she lost all her spark for life. It was devastating to see her that way.”
As the shelter grew more crowded, Gladice’s future became uncertain. Volunteers feared she wouldn’t make it out in time — so they sent out an urgent plea for help.
Thankfully, Promise 4 Paws Rescue answered that call. They pulled Gladice from the shelter just in time, giving her the second chance she so deeply deserved.
Though she still has a few health issues to overcome, Gladice is now safe, cared for, and surrounded by love. For the first time in weeks, she’s beginning to relax and rediscover hope.
“I’m sure the rescue will get to know her well and match her with the perfect family,” Garces said.
After everything she’s endured, Mama Gladice is finally on her way to the happy ending she’s always deserved.
