Dog Rescue and Adoption
Since its founding, CAPE has worked closely with animal shelters and rescue groups to rescue animals with the smallest chances of finding forever homes. CAPE has helped thousands of animals, particularly those who are older or have special needs, by providing them with what they need most: time, love, and essential veterinary care. Learn more about CAPE’s foster and adoption programs below!
Ready to adopt your new best friend?
Muttopia
Muttopia was made possible through the generous bequest of Lisa Landey, a lifelong advocate for dogs and a true champion of compassion. Her heartfelt donation allowed CAPE to partner with Compassion Without Borders to purchase the facility, creating a shared haven where both organizations can rescue, rehabilitate, and give new hope to countless dogs in need.
We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s unwavering compassion for all living beings. Her legacy lives on in the countless animals saved and the lives transformed through CAPE, CWOB, and Muttopia.
In 2017, CAPE, in partnership with Compassion Without Borders, founded Muttopia in Santa Rosa, California. Muttopia offers a temporary refuge for homeless dogs saved from under-resourced communities in the US and Mexico, as well as overcrowded shelters in California. Here, dogs receive the time, veterinary care, and love they need to heal and thrive before being placed up for adoption.
Assisted Living program
CAPE's Assisted Living Program provides lifetime foster care for dogs who have little or no chance of being adopted, focusing on seniors and those with special needs. Many of these animals are overlooked in shelters due to chronic health conditions or temperament challenges.
The success of this program is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our incredible foster volunteer team, for whom we are deeply grateful.
If you are interested in becoming a foster volunteer for an animal with special needs, please fill out the Foster Application below.
Through this program, CAPE has saved the lives of hundreds of dogs by placing them in permanent, loving homes with dedicated foster volunteers. Volunteers make a lifelong commitment to care for these animals, with CAPE covering all their medical and care costs.
Meet the Animals in assisted living!
Tink
A tiny Dachshund mix with a big personality!
This spirited pup arrived at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter when her family noticed something was “off” and realized they couldn’t meet her medical needs.
Tink wobbles when she walks and often loses her balance—symptoms likely caused by a neurological condition. Despite visits to a specialist, her exact diagnosis remains unclear, and it’s uncertain whether her condition will be life-threatening.
Tink’s determination and joyful spirit shine through every challenge. She’s already won the hearts of many, including her devoted foster family.
Simba
Simba is a senior Husky who suffered from severe glaucoma. After losing his previous home due to unforeseen circumstances, CAPE was able to connect him with one of our specialized assisted living foster homes in Oregon.
After seeing an ophthalmologist to assess whether his eye condition was causing him pain, we learned that Simba was indeed in significant discomfort. To give him the pain-free life he deserved, he underwent an enucleation surgery.
Today, Simba is completely pain-free and thriving in his new forever home with an incredible family. His foster mom recently shared this update: “Simba is LOVING this freezing but sunny weather!! He is SO playful and was so curious about the frosty yard at first. Fingers crossed for some snow before winter’s end!"
Charlie and Lucky
Bonded seniors Charlie and Lucky were abandoned at a shelter, where their chances of adoption were slim. CAPE stepped in, bringing them into our Assisted Living Program. At 16 and 19 years old, both needed extensive dental care.
Now, Charlie and Lucky are thriving in their assisted living home, receiving the loving care they truly deserve in their golden years.
Gypsy
This darling girl was rescued from a tragic hoarding case. Gypsy had no prior socialization and was considered semi-feral. Thanks to her foster mom’s patience, Gypsy has made great strides in adapting to her new home. She now greets her foster mom with a happy dance and enjoys some petting, though she remains wary of being picked up.
Understanding that the adoption process would be too traumatic for Gypsy, given her fear of strangers, her foster mom reached out to CAPE. We welcomed Gypsy into our Assisted Living Program, where she will receive loving care for the rest of her life.
Enzo
Enzo, a 13-year-old chihuahua, was surrendered to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter with major dental issues and an undescended testicle. At just 4 pounds, he was nervous and needed extensive care. When CAPE was contacted, we knew Enzo would be a perfect fit for our Assisted Living Program.
After surgery to remove 11 rotten teeth and his undescended testicle, Enzo is now recovering comfortably in his foster home. His foster mom reports that he’s thriving and gaining weight, now weighing a whopping 5.5 pounds!
From Enzo's foster guardian: "Enzo Lorenzo Francisco Fernandez, aka the wee ELFF, is doing so very well. After coming to his new home at a meager 3.9 pounds, he is now a hefty 5.5 pounds of love and affection, and he gives the very best Chihuahua hugs. He is such a funny little guy. He is still wary of eating out of a bowl, and he still wants nothing to do with being on a leash. He often barks at the TV at night after dinner. He also loves to bark at his own reflection in the fire screen.”
Bucky
Bucky’s story is truly one-of-a-kind. A playful, sweet Lhasa Apso, he was rescued by CAPE in 2018 after being found at a local shelter. Initial exams revealed a urinary tract infection causing bladder issues, but further tests uncovered bladder stones and an old foxtail lodged in his urethra, requiring multiple surgeries.
Now, Bucky thrives in his Assisted Living foster home, where he’s known as "almost the perfect dog." Thanks to your support, he will live a full, happy life, always loved and cared for. We’re grateful for the homes and happiness you help provide for dogs like Bucky!
Rico
20-year-old Rico was rescued from an overcrowded shelter after being confiscated in a neglect case. He arrived at CAPE five years ago with severe glaucoma and an untreated leg injury from being hit by a car. After realizing the glaucoma was causing him pain, we had his eyes removed, and his leg healed, allowing him to live pain-free.
Now in a loving Assisted Living home, Rico is thriving, with all expenses covered by CAPE. He is cherished by those who are dedicated to making up for the neglect and pain he once endured.
