Sadia Sanders agreed to foster an elderly pit bull mix named DJ from the Sandy Paws Sanctuary Rescue in Hermosa Beach this summer. The pup has medical problems, but the rescue promised to pay for everything – medicine, food, toys, and more.
But a couple weeks ago, Sanders was ghosted. She reached out to the owner about a medication refill. She got silence.
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“All of a sudden, she stopped responding to texts,” she told KNX News’ Emily Valdez. “Then we get an email saying that the rescue has ceased operations.”
According to the email from the rescue’s CEO, the foster families were told that “Sandy Paws Sanctuary will no longer be capable or responsible for any vet bills or additional expenses incurred by the dog in your care.” They were advised to either formally adopt their dogs or return them to the shelter.
After the official Sandy Paws Instagram page disappeared, the foster families set up their own, working together to locate the approximately 50 foster dogs the rescue was responsible for and connect them with forever homes.
The page also advises potential fosters to only work with reputable 501(c)3 organizations, and carefully read all contracts and documentation before signing to avoid another disaster.
Sandy Paws Sanctuary Rescue didn’t respond to a request for comment.
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