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

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

We got a call from Humane Society of Yuma about a senior dog in need. He was reportedly been in and out of the shelter since 2019 and was now having difficulty walking and had stopped eating. We immediately said yes, not knowing anything else about his story. It turns out, Cranky was a somewhat "famous" character in Yuma as he belonged to a homeless man and had been seen for years by residents in Yuma. Well, Cranky was a hot mess when he arrived. He had so many medical issues that we weren't even sure if he'd be able to walk again, or survive at all. We jumped into action, as we always do. Cranky visited the vet about an hour after arrival. Within a day, he was eating again and was moving around, granted like a wobbly bobbly. Little Cranky has been improving ever since and is getting spoiled rotten. He is as cute as can be and EVERYONE is in love with him, despite is occasional "cranky attitude". He's getting cold laser therapy, weekly massage therapy & all the sandwich meat he can eat. We love him dearly and all of us are at his beck and call. Cranky has moved into the pack and is usually found relaxing by the fireplace in the house, being watched over by the other dogs...somehow they know he needs it.

Est DOB 1.13.2014 | Rescued 1.13.2026

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

At ten years old, a dog should be curled up on an orthopedic bed, dreaming of a life well-lived. Instead, this senior gentleman—found wandering near Vista and Longmore Rd—is sitting in a metal kennel in Mesa, his body failing him and his time officially running out.

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10, 2026

He’s currently labeled Urgent Medical, which means the shelter cannot provide the level of care he needs. He isn’t just looking for a couch; he’s looking for a lifeline. His medical file is a heartbreaking map of sadness: he has goopy eyes, thickened and infected ears, multiple large masses on his chest and shoulders, and dental disease so severe it is graded 4/4. His coat is thinning and crusty, and his joints are stiff with the weight of a decade of life.

Yet, despite the pain he must be in, his attitude remains pure gold. The volunteers describe him as a very calm and willing soul who walks slowly and relaxed at your side. He doesn't bark at the other dogs; he just sniffs the air and looks up at his handlers with soft staring eyes, leaning in for pets whenever they are offered. Even when he is scared—like when the technicians have to touch his painful feet—he’s just a confused old man trying to understand why his world has turned upside down.

Because of his medical status, he’s Rescue Only and cannot be adopted by the public. He needs a New Hope partner to pull him and an immediate foster who can get him to a real vet for senior bloodwork, mass biopsies, and the massive dental surgery he desperately requires. 

He also needs PLEDGES—financial promises that follow him to a rescue to help cover the thousands of dollars in medical bills he is carrying on his 77-pound frame.

COOPER IS SAFE!!!

Est DOB 2.5.2016 | Rescued 2.5.2026

Hi… I’m Rose.
I’m an 8-year-old German Shepherd mix with a gentle heart, and I’m trying really hard to keep blooming in a place that’s breaking me down.

MY STATS
• 8 years old
• 30.6 lbs (underweight)
• Female

HOW I GOT HERE
I was found walking through a neighborhood all alone.
A kind stranger pulled over, called out to me… and I followed them right away. Like I was already hoping someone would help me.

WHO I AM
I’m a soft, gentle girl who:
• Has a calm, easy-going personality
• Walks slowly and politely
• Has been described as wiggly, attention-seeking, and sweet
• Seems like I may be housebroken
• Enjoys affection and stays close to my person in the yard

I can be a little mouthy when taking treats, so I do best with treats offered from an open palm.

PRIORITY: MEDICAL 

Rosario is considered urgent medical due to persistent respiratory disease (CIRDC/kennel cough). She is being treated and monitored, but if she is not out by her deadline, she is at risk.

She has also been noted as:
• Emaciated / very underweight
• Cloudy eyes (lenticular sclerosis)
• Severe dental disease
• Stiff/slow to rise (possible arthritis)

She has been struggling with appetite at times, but she DOES eat well when offered things like chicken.

DEADLINE

If she does not have placement by 2/17, she will need a rescue immediately or she may be at risk of euthanasia on 2/18/2026. 

RESCUED BY DOGTREE PINES!

Est DOB 2.9.2018 | Rescued 2.9.2026

"Tucker the Great" Pyrenees came to Dogtree Pines when his owner became very ill. United Animal Friends was advertising him for adoption and there were no takers, probably because of his size, his need for property and a job, and the amount this dude eats. That day, I was at my vet office and mentioned him to Dr. Tammy. As it turns out, she has treated Tucker his whole life and knew his owner well. One call later, and we were set to pick him up. We have not had a dog this big and had no idea what to expect. Tucker is the size of a small horse and brings counter surfing to a whole new level.  Tucker is a permanent dog of Dogtree Pines. Tucker stays busy guarding the 3-acre fenced property and chasing coyotes, deer and especially javelinas.  Tucker was 8 years old when he arrived and as he has gotten used to his new home, he has claimed my bathroom as his new dog den (complete with his own personal fan).  Tucker passed his Good Citizen test and is our Dogtree Mascot at events.

Est DOB 10.04.2014 | Rescued 11.04.2022

Arlo had two nasty ears with yeast growth. During the vet exam, he was very gentle yet timid and tried to hide inside my shirt when the vet came. He sees me as a safe house.  His auntie Misty tried to lure him away with part of her sandwich today for lunch, but he’s not that easy. Arlo is not like our other pups who are easily bought off with a small piece of roast beef.  Arlo is just a baby…. a big gawky baby of maybe a year old. His teeth are shiny white. His ears are huge and his tail drags the ground when it’s not wagging like his parts are growing at different speeds.  Arlo is very thin, for a growing teenager. His appetite is ravenous, but nothing sticks. He was just a little baby dumped in an Orchard in California. Right now, he is lying next to me, pushed up against my leg. After getting the vet’s reports back, as expected Arlo has EPI making it impossible for him to get any nourishment from his food. The good news is that there’s a fix that will make Arlo healthy. We add this medicine powder to his food, and it enables his pancreas to do its job to ensure that Arlo becomes a healthy handsome boy.

Est DOB 11.20.2024 | Rescued 1.05.2026

This is Paco from Tijuana Mexico. We were contacted on May 10th and this is what they wrote to us about Paco.
“”””””””””””
"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

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

He has a long, crazy story that I couldn’t make up on my best day. His owner was planning to euthanize him last week because he was vomiting so they thought it was time.  Their nephew did not agree so he asked to take Guey on his last play date and instead of returning him, he took him to the mountains, with some food and left him there hoping someone would find him. Being the smart shepherd that he is, Guey did not stray but stayed near his bowl of food waiting for someone to come back for him. The next day some hikers were passing by and Guey followed them back to their car and they took him home for the evening as it was late. They listed him on social media which is where I saw him. Their Vet didn’t find a Chip and the hikers were desperate for help. No one stepped up so I volunteered to take him until his owners could be found. The hikers drove him up to Prescott from Phoenix. When he arrived at Harmony Vet Care, they scanned him again and now found his microchip! His owners came up yesterday to bring his favorite ball and ask if we would care for Guey for the remainder of his life. He still has a little pep in his step for an old dude. Guey loves his basketball and fits in perfectly with the rest of the pack, making himself right at home.

Est DOB 8.03.2012 | Rescued 12.07.2025 

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

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 

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