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

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

Hi… I’m RoseMiracle.
I’m a 10-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.

I am a female, thin at 29 pounds and when I first arrived at Dogtree I was not doing well.  The vet discovered that I had COVID and distemper.  Yes, dogs can get COVID. 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.
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.

Rose was 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.

Rose was rescued by Dogtree and then saved from death by Cindy and Misty as they nursed her back to life from a most certain death from the combination of COVID and Distemper.

Rose is our Miracle!

Est DOB 2.9.2018 | Rescued 2.9.2026

Harriet, formerly Nala, came to us from a high kill California shelter as an owner surrender and in horrid condition. We don’t have words to express the sadness we feel when looking at what has been done to her. She has the most significant skin issues that we've seen as well as being emaciated.

We are addressing her skin issues and in the last week, Miss Harriet has gained 5 pounds.!!!! that’s freaking awesome. This girl will eat anything anytime without hesitation. She’s getting the best of the best.
She was quite the feisty thing when she arrived. No hesitation to run off a great pyrenees for his food. But after the first week, she had morphed into the large pack of dogs very nicely. We bath her weekly with no need for a muzzle. Feeding time is her favorite time of the day, but she loves attention of sanctuary mom Cindy. 

She loves to ride in the car and has her head out the window the whole time. 

Visually,  she is the worst dog that we have taken in at Dogtree. She doesn’t know  it, though, she acts just like a normal dog and has no idea how  compromised she is.

Follow along for the AMAZING transformation we are about to witness.

Est DOB 3.16.2016 | Rescued 4.4.2026

Skye arrived on July 13, 2026 from Fedwell Farms located in southeast Arizona.  Her owner passed away suddenly and the dogs at this lovely rescue remain with only the volunteers to take care of them.  Skye was a personal dog of the owner of Fedwell Farms.  She is 12 years old and a blonde gentle giant, Great Dane.  She gently comes up to the team here and nudges our hands to pet her.  Skye joined our pack at Dogtree without any of our pups even noticing.  She is so tall that she can counter surf just by walking by our kitchen counters, but she is such a good girl. Since she lost her owner and is elderly herself, she will remain at Dogtree as a resident. We believe that her owner is looking down on Skye and smiling that she is being well cared for during her senior years.  

Est DOB 6.12.2014 | Rescued 6.13.2026

"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

MACK is as big as a Mack truck. He is a 10 year old, neutered, 110 lbs., German Shepherd mix that came into the Orange County shelter in Tustin, CA on Feb 20, 2026 as a stray from the City of Anaheim.  His owner hasn't contacted the shelter to make arrangements to pick him up.  He is a friendly senior dog that is suffering from severe arthritis.  He is having a lot of difficult getting around in our kennels and has difficulty getting up.  Once he is up he does do better.  

Est DOB 2.26.2016 | Rescued 3.09.2026

Pretty Lylah was part of a "street sweep" in Houston, Tx and ended up on the euth list at BARC. We saw her and had to help. She went to a foster in Houston until she could catch the shuttle out west. The Transport went the opposite way than I thought they would and went from Houston to Montana and then back down the West Coast. In Washington state they had a car trouble and had to stop for a day and a half. Luckily they had a fellow Rescue Contact with a big beautiful property for them to stay. It was a little stressful for all involved. I’m sure and was not crazy about the additional time it would take to get here, but as it turns out, it all worked out for the best. Lylah got a couple of days reprieve out of a vehicle and into a beautiful home. Lylah  finally made it to Dogtree and is doing so very well.  She cruised in here like she’s been here forever and she’s unbelievably  well adjusted. She’s mixed in with the pack already because she’s been  out of the shelter for several weeks now. We have not been out in the  big 3 1/2 acre yard yet but she has been free to roam and is loving her  freedom. I can already see that she likes to play and will get corrected  a couple of times until she learns who plays who does it. I’m telling  you they come here as old dogs and within sometimes just hours they turn  into puppies again. It’s very interesting to watch.

Est DOB 3.25.2017 | Rescued 4.12.2026

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

For months, he was left outside on scorching concrete with little or no water. A compassionate citizen had been trying desperately to get him out of that situation, and the owner finally agreed to relinquish him. Next Dogtree stepped in. Cheeto spent the night at the emergency clinic in Gilbert before making the trip to Prescott. He first saw holistic veterinarian Dr. Emily Ross at the sanctuary and then visited Dr. Tandy Sherlock for additional testing. After spending most of the day on IV fluids and enjoying several good meals, Cheeto is finally where he belongs—safe, cool, comfortable, and surrounded by people who care. One of the things that breaks our hearts the most is watching him sit with his face buried in his water bowl. It’s not because he’s still thirsty. He has been receiving fluids all day. It’s because he doesn’t know when water will be available again. That kind of uncertainty leaves scars we can’t see.  The good news? His appetite is incredible. He’s eaten at least four meals a day and has discovered that he loves sandwich meat and Costco rotisserie chicken.  Cheeto is still unable to support himself on his back legs. We don’t have answers yet, but we’re hopeful. Our hope is that his malnutrition and muscle loss have left him too weak to stand, and that with good nutrition, medical care, and time, he’ll regain his strength and the will to get back on his feet. For now, he’s resting comfortably on a soft bed, staying wonderfully cool, with all the food, water, and love he could ever want. Thank you to everyone who helped make this rescue possible—from the concerned citizen who never gave up, to the veterinary teams who cared for him, to every one of you who has donated, shared his story, and kept him in your prayers.

Please continue to keep Cheeto in your thoughts. Together, let’s hope this sweet old soul gets the second chance he has waited so long for and so heartily deserves 

Est DOB 6.20.16 | Rescued 6.26.2026

HUDSON, Thought to be about 12 years old, but maybe closer to 14, was found wandering in the Phoenix area and taken to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. We don’t know much about him other than that. He is an old guy and was  picked up as a stray. The  old ones don’t do well at the shelter. They have a hard time on the hard floors…standing and laying, and the noise really freaks them out.  It’s just too hard on their old bodies. We decided to get him out of  there ASAP and Volunteer. Geri drove down this morning and brought him  back to Dogtree. He’s small only 32 pounds and we’ve already fallen in love with him. He’s stressed out and needs a few days to settle in then he will be checked out at the vet on Thursday. Welcome Hudson to your forever future.  We feel that Paco, Sunny and Foxy sent him to us.

Est DOB 4.27.2014 | Rescued 5.04.2026

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

This is the Duke of Earl. We were contacted about him by a team helping with Riverside shelters. With his euthanasia date being today, we all jumped into action and amazingly he was transported the same day. Thanks to Mary. Thanks to Wendell, the Great, who helps us out again. Duke is an 11-year-old Catahoula mix. He looked rough upon arrival but not even 24 hours later he already looks like a different dog. He’s going to see Dr. Tammy because he seems to have something going on with his eyes. We don’t know if it’s allergies, an infection or something else. When he arrived, his eyes were covered with dried green goop, but today without doing anything, his eyes look 80% better. It’s the magic of Dogtree Pines! We did find out that the main cause of his eye trouble is the lack of draining and moisture in his tear ducts. We are helping with flushing his eyes with saline and dabbing out the gunk. He doesn’t seem to appreciate it much but tolerates our care and he is a sweet old man.

Welcome to the rest of your life Duke.

Est DOB 5.15.2015 | Rescued 6.20.2026

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

We got Ricky Bobby out of the shelter today before Noon and he is here at the sanctuary. I’m so glad we pulled him. He is far too old to do well in a noisy, crowded shelter! He will be going to the vet to get a full checkup. He seems to be in pretty good shape from what I can tell at first glance. We really wanted to help this little guy get out of the shelter. He goes by Robbie but we’re giving him a new life and new name with the famous new name of Ricky Bobby.  He’s 14 years old and on the smaller side, weighing about 35 pounds. He’s had a few meals now with some pain meds, cooled off his little paws in the wading pool and is now asleep with his new roommate Duke. Welcome Ricky Bobby to the rest of your life.

Est DOB 11.20.2011 | Rescued 6.23.2026

Their story began when Chloe, along with her bonded roommate guard dog Oakley, the handsome German Shepherd, were taken to their vet. The vet then explained to the owner that the two had been woefully lacking regular healthcare for an extended time and to the owner’s surprise the cost would be beyond his expectations. The owner then surrendered the poor neglected two over to Prescott Valley Animal Control. From Animal Control they were then transferred to the Yavapai Humane Society, who reached out to Dogtree saying then at Chloe was very sickly and needed help beyond their ability. Cindy jumped into action. Chloe has a slew of problems, the most obvious being a cantaloupe-sized mammary tumor. When picking up Chloe, we learned that not only is she bonded to Oakley, but Oakley is her bodyguard and seeing-eye dog since Chloe could barely see. Chloe also has diabetes and additional tumors. 

Est DOB 4.16.2021 | Rescued 7.08.2026

(Continued from Chloe's space)

The worst ailment that Chloe had was not an ailment at all but a lack of care, she literally had hundreds of foxtails embedded into her fur, skin, tail, ears, everywhere. We spent hours and days pulling, tweezing, combing and shaving her coat to remove most of them. Some of the foxtails required medical attention and our vet operated to remove the infected areas. 

Our poor girl tolerated it all. We are not sure exactly how much time that Chloe has left with all her ailments, but we are treating them all including getting her diabetes under control by tracking her glucose levels with a monitor attached to her skin (medical advancements are amazing). Chloe will remain with us as a permanent resident until it is her time to pass. Oakley will remain with us as her bodyguard/seeing-eye dog buddy. When he loses her, Oakley, who appears to be healthy will become available for adoption. He’s handsome, self-assured, well-mannered, loyal, quiet, smart and we think about 4 years old. Welcome my lady Chloe and your gentleman, Oakley, to Dogtree Pines. 

Est DOB 11.20.2021 | Rescued 7.09.2026