Keiko was rescued off the streets of Compton by Hope for Paws after a caring soul reached out to them. She said he was on her street for months, a terrified, matted mess who hid underneath cars in the pouring rain. She couldn't get near him to help him. Hope for Paws caught him and we took him into a quiet foster home for some much needed R&R for a few months. He was emaciated and terrified. He cowered away from us when we tried to pet him and hid behind a bush in their backyard when let out for potty breaks. He had no interest in toys, never casually explored the house or yard, and spent most of his time in his bed in a bedroom. Never once did he try to bite. He made baby steps there -- he would appear suddenly around dinner time, poke his nose around the corner, and then run back to his bed. He gained weight. He tolerated our head and back scratches.

We knew it was time to get him around other confident, energetic dogs who could teach him how to be a dog, so we brought him to "the Cause Casa" to see how he'd do. There, the magic started to happen - he watched how the other dogs played, and he tried it. He watched them prance confidently around the yard, and Keiko practiced the happy prance, or more like a gallop with Keiko's long legs. Now he comes right up to us for cuddles, initiates play with the other dogs, and explores like any other curious and confident dog. Keiko's transformation has been miraculous. We think he is ready to find his forever home - a patient family looking to make a difference for one firmerly neglected and terrified street baby, who has blossomed into such a beautiful, silly, playful dog. He will need a special family with patience who will allow his to warm up on his terms. 

Please enjoy the Keiko video and see his heartbreaking "before" pics. Email cause4sbpaws@gmail.com for adoption info.