THE Dawgs of Dogtree Pines

Nubbins, formerly Army, found down in Casa Grande was paralyzed from the neck down. His story is horrific. He was hit in the back of the head with a “blunt object” and thrown out of a car on the side of the highway. While he was lying there waiting for help, he got tick infested. They estimate he laid there for 3 days!

     A blood clot in his neck caused paralysis. He could not walk and didn’t know how to do even basic things like eating and drinking. I saw that face and I wanted him but knew I could not handle a fully paralyzed dog in the middle of 20 others. Luckily, Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue (SOLR) stepped up and placed him with fosters, and three months later he was walking, albeit like a drunken sailor, and was ready to come to the sanctuary to continue his recovery. 

     He is now recovered with just some lingering oddities. He’s 85 lbs. of muscle and he’s the funniest dog to see walk. His “Nubbin” (nubbed tail) just bounces all over the place with joy...a bit out of control. He loves exploring our 3-acre forest and having his freedom. He accompanies Tucker on patrols around the back forest making sure the fence line is secure.  He’s fascinated by the squirrels and can be found staring into the trees in hopes that someday he may catch the critters. He was one of those "meant to be" miracles. He is flourishing. When it comes to walks, Nubbs is first in line but instead of walking he takes our volunteers for runs.  Yes he can run in his own awkward beautiful way AND you must be in shape to keep up with his pace.  Nubbs has a special relationship with his favorite volunteer and he 'chirps' and jumps with glee when he sees her knowing a walk will soon be in the day's events.

Est DOB 6.26.2015 | Rescued 6.26.2022

We are very honored and excited to be part of providing this old gal with a new beginning. She was part of an abuse case and came to us from a county shelter in California. They reached out and said they needed to relocate her. I don’t know exactly what took place. I didn’t ask. I just said yes, we can help, and we will give her the home that she deserves. She is about 13 years old and is an Australian Shepherd mix. She is sweet and calm after a very lengthy trip of over 8 hours.  After her terrible situation she holds no grudges, she has a certain calming grace about her, so we are calling her Grace.  She is tired and a little anxious in her new environment.  She has been welcomed by Meeko and they have even been sleeping side by side.  Welcome to your forever home Grace where you can live with joy and love and a place to call home forever.

Est DOB 5.01.2012 | Rescued 10.08.2025

Two days before Christmas, Navi was rescued by the border by Barb's Dog Rescue. He was in such terrible shape, starved nearly to death and covered in lice and maggots. Much of his body was covered only by raw skin but his biggest problem was an infected wound so deep his bone was exposed and extended down into his paw. 

Fearing amputation was the only option, Barb reached out to Dogtree Pines for help. Navi made his way to the states and to Dogtree Pines to continue his treatment. His wounds were so severe that they had to be treated from the inside out. Medical maggots were delivered to Dr. Delia at Harmony Veterinary Care and inserted into his wound to debride and clean up the damaged flesh. 

Navi spent the better part of 6 months recovering from his severe wounds, but he did make a full recovery. His wounds will always show the horrific start to his life but all that has changed now. It was said that all Navi wanted was a family. Navi has a family, has made friends and finally feels safe for the first time in his short life. He wiggles all over the bed in the morning with excitement for another day!  Navi is usually the first dog to sound the alert when someone comes over. He has also discovered the "BALL" and lives to play. He's good too...one of the best retrievers we've seen. 

We call him the Mexican Jumping Bean. Navi is our longest residing resident here at Dogtree and he is not going anywhere!

Est DOB 12.23.2018 | Rescued 12.23.2021

Rescue never rests – and this time it’s TWO. On Friday, we picked up a blind 10-year-old Sable German Shepherd, named Shannara, whose owner had recently died and had no one to take care of her. We call her Shania and learned that she is not blind but has a condition called Pannus. Pannus is an eye disease causing blindness and is found more often in older Shepherds living in higher altitudes, but the good news is that her eyesight can be improved with prescription eye drops. Shania raises her head when walking to perhaps sniff her way without being able to see. She seemed so lonely compared to the other pups we had welcomed in the past that were also blind. The next day came a call that Shania’s daughter, Sugar, an 8-year-old Shepherd mix, was crying for her mother.  We brought Sugar home and quickly realized that Sugar is Shania’s seeing-eye dog. The owner’s son did not realize this either but once they were separated, it became obvious that Shania needs Sugar. They sit side by side and Shania nudges Sugar’s side to ensure that her daughter is nearby. Sugar is a beautiful white Shepherd mix and ventures out then returns to sit next to her mother. We now have two new girls. They are both going through a bit of rehoming stress. After living their entire lives with their owner, they are both a bit lost. Hopefully they’ll realize this is a good place in the next few days and things will quiet down. It’s hard to watch, but the only thing we can do is comfort them and hope it passes soon. We are glad that Shania’s blindness can be treated and that they have each other for comfort during this sudden transition. I promise you will grow to love it here!

Shania Est DOB 9.01.15 | Rescued 11.07.25

Sugar Est DOB 9.01.17 | Rescued 11.08.25

Bertie, now Bubbles, has a very bubbly personality.  Bubbles was initially rescued by HARTT - Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team out of Phoenix.  Bubbles was sitting on the corner of Central and Jones streets in front of Pete's & Chips.  She was just lying there whimpering with no tags and nowhere to go. First of all, thank you to Lost Pets of Phoenix for the post, then for HARTT for stepping up and now Bubbles is in the safe hands and medical care of the experts at Dogtree Pines. She has multiple bubble-like bumps across one side of her that we have yet to officially diagnose.  Other than the bubbles she is happy and healthy.  With Bubbles looking better every day as her bumps are all magically going away, we decided to postpone the removing of the bumps.  Bubbles is looking better every day, and she is fitting in and truly enjoying herself at DTP. Amazingly Bubbles healthy result came from simply paying attention and getting her the diet that she needed.  No kibble for her.  Each of our residents get the diet that works best for them. The results are miracles that keep us all doing what we are doing.

Est DOB 12.18.2014 | Rescued 12.18.2024

This is Paco from Tijuana Mexico. We were contacted on May 10th and this is what they wrote to us about Paco.
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"This dog is trapped behind a new chain-link fence. The guy at the moriscoes stand has been feeding him since he ended up on the wrong side of the fence (for over a month). There is not a tree or plywood or tarp to protect him from the past rains or from the searing sun.  They that he was hit by a car and dragged himself to the median, and that's where he lived for the longest time. He'd get to the sidewalk to forage for food and water, then returned to the median. That was his home. They say the dog rolls his hip as he walks and is deteriorating. The moriscoes guys dug a hole under the new fencing so he could get out, but he can't do it on his own. The hole under the fence can easily fit a smaller person but what would be the point in dragging him out and setting him loose to get hit by another car."
“””””””””””””””
Well, long story short Paco is now a resident at Dogtree Pines. Dr. Tammy confirmed that he does have a fractured pelvis and a hip joint completely out of place in addition to a hematoma on his spleen which has since been removed. Thank you for his angels for helping him out and for my new friend Elena for driving a full day to transport Paco to us. 

Est DOB 5.01.2020 | Rescued 5.26.2025

Sage was found as a stray in Pinal County.  They contacted Dogtree in desperate need of adoptions or fosters and asked for our help.  Three hours later, our most amazing Transport Volunteer Wendell was on his way to pick up this pretty little old lady.  She took a look around Wendell's vehicle and within a few minutes was fast asleep!  We think she is about 12 years old.  We also think she is nearly blind.  She has cataract on one eye and damage to her other eye.  We also think she is near deaf as she only responded to a loud noise.  Arriving at Dogtree, she was disoriented as expected with her nose taking in the smells of pups galore but without being able to see or hear much.  She has mostly slept and enjoyed some delicious food as she gets used to her new digs.  After a fresh bath, Sage looks a bit fluffier and lighter in color, feels better and even prances now!

Est DOB 5.01.2013 | Rescued 7.10.2025

Dakota Rose "Kota" is just about the prettiest dog we've known.  She came to us from a family.  We won't go into the story as it is just too sad. She's about nine and we soon learned that she has cancer.  Here at DTP we do not let that be a death sentence as there are now amazing drugs to not heal but to keep the cancer at bay.  Kota is living her best life.  She LOVES the water and cannot pass up a hose as she thinks every drop of water is meant for her.  She can get dirtier than any other pup at Dogtree.  Her fur is velvety; and her cancer has not stopped her one bit.  She makes sure that every day includes playing in the pool or swimming in Lynx Lake.  She is such a volunteer favorite she has them now picking her up for field trips to the lake for a swim.

Est DOB 11.22.2014 | Rescued 11.22.2023

This one-year-old beauty is Timber. He was picked up as a stray and ended up in the high-kill shelter in Nogales, Arizona. He was set to be euthanized because he was not adoptable due to his fear of people.  Well, he's not a senior but we couldn't let that happen. I figured a few months at the sanctuary and Timber would be ready to find his forever home. Timber is adjusting nicely and was just neutered. He LOVES all other dogs and is slowly warming up to people.  Tim has become the welcome committee for any new pup to Dogtree.  He loves his person (for now) - me - sleeps in the bed and rolls all over me in the morning.  He allows us to give him treats and most recently has allowed us to give him pets although still with his side-eye stare. Tim is our favorite athlete and is living his best life!

Est DOB 10.30.2022 | Rescued 10.30.2023

Betty White arrived here from Arizona Humane on her last day before a planned euthanasia.  Betty has a severe condition called "Chronic Shar Pei Fever Syndrome" resulting in very high temps (104-107 degrees) and swollen joints. Betty went to the vet and her bloodwork looks surprisingly good. Her condition is very controllable. She is sweet and after spending some time with us we also learned she had kennel cough.  Her cough is now under control and we are happy to have our own Betty White.  Her delicate skin has caused her trouble.  She always seems to be in the wrong place and has recovered well from random and several nips to her face.  Betty as with the other Betty White has kept her sense of humor and is still sweet and calm.

Est DOB 3.27.2018 | Rescued 3.27.2024

Bugsy, this once sad 11 year old senior was at MCACC (Maricopa County Animal Care & Control) West Valley. He was found abandoned at Thomas & Sun Valley Parkway in Phoenix.  AZ Shepherd "Breed in Need" organization posted a picture and pitiful video of this senior trembling and shaking and then pausing and looking around a corner before stepping forward.  DTP stepped in. Bugsy is a sweetie.  At his initial exam he did have some infections that we are treating.  While he got over his sickness, he spent his time mostly sleeping in our quarantine cabin lodging.  Now that he feels better, he has joined the pack.  Timber, after anxiously awaiting to meet Bugsy, has made it his business to show Bugsy the ropes.  Bugsy has decided that his favorite spot is the comfy dog bed in the corner of the kitchen.  Great choice.

Est DOB 11.20.13 | Rescued 1.08.2025

Welcome to new girl Annie. We read the plea to rescue her last night at 9:00 PM. I wasn’t going to take more dogs right now, but I could not leave her there in that situation, and by 12:45 AM, Annie was up here in Prescott. Thanks to our amazing transporter Wendell who drops everything to get a dog in need. I could not do these rush rescues without him. Annie is on a soft surface in a quiet, peaceful area. She ate two large meals, took some medicine, and she is ready for her first night of good sleep. Thought a warm soapy shower would help her relax and get her ready for her vet appointment the next morning. With the help of a volunteer who came over on Sunday to help, Annie got a warm shower before being wrapped with multiple blankets. My guess is she has a very severe case of Cushing, and she will be up and running in no time…literally.  I think she’s going to be one of our many miracles. Here’s hoping that after Annie gets the right medicine, she will have many healthy years. It always helps to heal my heart to help another old dog in need. 

Est DOB 5.25.2012 | Rescued 10.25.2025

I would check each morning on this tiny pup to see if anyone had adopted him. Each morning the days that remained before his euthanasia date ticked by. The picture posted on the shelter site of this pup (now named Teddy) was really bad, I mean terrible. Teddy looked like an elderly, disabled, disjointed bear-fox-dog combination. No one wanted him and we swooped in and brought Teddy to Dogtree Pines. We all initially thought Teddy was an elderly dog that had suffered from distempered. We were completely wrong on all accounts. He does move oddly from some type of injury, but he did not have distemper. He is also only about 5 years old. He runs and jumps and chases the squirrels up the trees. Teddy could easily be up for adoption however he is a team mascot and is staying put. He entertains pups and people alike. He is one of our favorite success stories that he was a few days from euthanasia but because of Dogtree Pines he is happy and provides happiness to everyone around him. Teddy would have been just a victim of a bad picture but now we cannot take enough pictures of him jumping, running, sleeping, enjoying life and yes, kissing fellow residents. Check out our Dogtree Pines Facebook page for some precious videos.

Est DOB 5.15.2020 | Rescued 5.15.2024

We took in this beautiful 10-year-old Great Pyrenees from Maricopa County animal control. We believe he was strictly a working dog, so is not familiar with the human touch and definitely does not know what a leash is. I believe animal control did not know what to do with him since they could not get their hands on him. He sat in his kennel for 11 days waiting for a behavioral evaluation. One of the volunteers took a short video of him, which is where we got our first sight of him. We immediately inquired and volunteered to take him. All this just happened on Monday and Wednesday morning at 7 AM, our wonderful Misty drove down to Maricopa to pick him up. They had lured him in to a transport kennel and put him in a quiet office the prior evening. This morning, he was loaded into Misty‘s car, still in the kennel and brought up to Dogtree. Welcome to Dogtree Pines wonderful boy. And yes, his tongue hangs out all the time. 

Est DOB 8.09.2014 | Rescued 12.04.2024

Bean came to Dogtree when her lifelong owner moved into assisted living with dementia. Beanie is 13 years old and moved in with the pack smoothly. She is sweet as sugar and a total love bug.  We discovered from her visit with Dr. Tammy that Bean has mild diabetes. With her diabetes diagnosis we purchased and attached a glucose monitor and attached it to her fur-shaved side.  Yes, they make glucose monitors for dogs.  Who knew? A first for Dogtree Pines, Bean is our first diabetic resident and if adopted will require a medical adopter/foster to administer insulin shots every 12 hours. Bean has been doing really well since getting on her insulin.  She waits patiently as she is poked with her shots and walks around Dogtree as if she has been here forever. Bean is a volunteer favorite and has even enjoyed overnights at volunteers' homes. She is one of our smaller dogs at just under 40 lbs. but do not tell Bean that she is small as she certainly does not act like a petite pup. Where you see Misty, our Sanctuary Manager, you will see Bean too!

Est DOB 4.16.2013 | Rescued 4.16.2025

Lexi came to Dogtree as our largest pup at 124 pounds and she could not move around easily.  We put her on a healthy diet of boneless skinless chicken breasts and vegetables.  She is almost prancing now showing off her new slimmer look.  She is sweet and makes her way around the house and gets along well with all of the dogs.  Lexi came with her roomie Rosie, who is now adopted.  They both saw the vet at their initial checkup.  Lexi is a gentle giant and loves watching the world from the large front porch.  She has been sniffing the others and getting used to the beautiful landscape of DTP.  While Lexi and Rosie were roommates they are not bonded, have their own interests and would do well as a family pet but Lexi is staying put at Dogtree Pines.

Est DOB 11.11.2012 | Rescued 3.20.2025 

This precious little old lady, Foxy of 16.4 years of age was posted online by Riverside Shelter California.  They posted a video of her sweet face looking at the camera with the caption of her euthanasia date quickly approaching.  She was sadly abandoned by her owner. We were down to the last hour on her rescue before euthanasia.  With the help of our faithful volunteer transporter Maria & Wendell, Foxy was picked up and brought to Dogtree on Sunday August 3rd. Foxy is amazing!!! She is 16 years and 4 months, had been adopted from the shelter as a puppy and then abandoned as a senior. Foxy LOVES her pool and prefers to be outside as much as possible. She is SOOOOO sweet and actually quite healthy for her age.

Est DOB 4.03.2009 | Rescued 8.03.2025 

Pearl was picked up as a stray and taken to the San Bernadino Animal Control. Sadly, her owner came to the shelter and decided not to take her home.  We whisked her away before she had a chance to get sick, as they always to. Pearl was the travel mate of Foxy and was delivered to Dogtree by our volunteer transporters Marie & Wendell.  Pearl is about 14 and comes with several large masses on her extremities.  We immediately noticed that Pearl was tick infested and started the process of washing and de-ticking the poor girl.  This loyal family dog does not deserve to be in pain in her later years.  Welcome to your new forever home, sweet Pearl.

Est DOB 8.03.2011 | Rescued 8.03.2025