🐾 May the Paws Be With You

The Real T on Dog Adoption (and How I Found Luke Skywalker)

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So… I did a thing.
Meet Luke Skywalker — my scruffy little Brussels Griffon mix who crash-landed into my life (and heart) last month.

He was found wandering the streets of Compton during the ICE raids, with no chip, no tag, and no clue what galaxy he was in. The incredible team at Shelter Hope Pet Shop in Thousand Oaks took him in, cared for him, and made sure I was the right fit when I asked about adopting him through their foster-to-adopt program.

Fast-forward a few walks, sales meetings, client lunches, and home inspections later… and it was clear this wasn’t a short-term situation. Luke’s officially my co-pilot — cautious but brave, funny in all the right ways, and proof that a little patience and love can turn rescue into redemption.

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🦴 Shelters vs Rescues — Know the Difference

People often use the terms interchangeably, but here’s the quick T:

• Shelters are city-run, open-admission facilities doing heroic work under tight resources.
• Rescues (especially in LA) are typically no-kill and foster-based, meaning dogs live in real homes until they’re adopted.

Rescues focus on rehabilitation — medical care, socialization, and thoughtful matchmaking — so every dog gets a true second chance.

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🐶 My Favorite LA Rescues

There are some incredible groups doing it right. Here are a few worth knowing:

Rescue	Why They Rock	Contact
Shelter Hope Pet Shop	Foster-to-adopt specialists. Caring, compassionate, zero pressure.	shelterhopepetshop.org
Dogs Without Borders	Small-dog rescue pulling pups from overcrowded shelters.	dogswithoutborders.org
Vanderpump Dogs	The glam rescue with serious heart — saves high-risk shelter dogs.	vanderpumpdogs.org
A Purposeful Rescue	Focuses on seniors and special-needs dogs who deserve a second act.	apurposefulrescue.org
Real Good Rescue	Helps medical-case pups get back on their paws.	realgood.dog

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⚠️ Rescue Right — Avoid the Weird Stuff

I actually found Luke on Petfinder, which is basically the MLS for dogs — a huge online database that connects adoptable pets with potential owners. It’s an amazing place to start your search and see which rescues they’re linked to.

But here’s the catch: just like not all Realtors are created equally, neither are all rescues. Some are thoughtful and mission-driven, truly focused on finding the right fit — and others, well, let’s just say they’re not exactly operating with full transparency.

When I started my search, I ran into a few sketchy “rescues” that felt off.
Here’s how to separate the heroes from the hustlers:

✅ Do: Expect an application, phone or Zoom interview, home check, and clear medical records.
🚫 Don’t: Hand over cash to someone with “a litter in the back of their car.”
If it feels too easy — it’s probably not legit.

A real rescue cares where their dogs go. They’ll ask questions, verify your setup, and match you based on lifestyle — not impulse.

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🏡 Finding Your Perfect Pup

Before Luke, I made a checklist: size, temperament, energy level, grooming needs, and how a dog would fit into my on-the-go lifestyle. And yes, I actually used ChatGPT to help narrow down what breed or mix would make the most sense for my lifestyle. (Turns out, the algorithm’s got a pretty good nose for matchmaking too.)

I also had my vet run a full health panel and used Embark DNA testing — basically a home inspection for dogs.

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💪 The First Weeks — Training, Trust & Tiny Wins

During the first few weeks, my main focus was creating a safe and consistent routine so Luke could get comfortable, learn my rhythms, and start to trust me. It was all about slow introductions, quiet spaces, and steady, predictable days — the canine version of, “You’re safe here.”

Now that we’re a few weeks in, life (and my schedule) has started to get busier again. Luke’s finding his confidence, and I’m realizing I need to find mine with him. As my therapist smartly said: “Jed, you need to get off Luke’s schedule — and Luke needs to get onto yours.” Because after those first few weeks, it’s important to ease back into normal life — otherwise, you risk getting resentful, and that’s not why you adopt a dog in the first place.

To help with that transition, we recently started obedience training at Zoom Room Sherman Oaks with trainers Alex and Justin, who are fantastic. (Fun fact: agility and obedience work are both great confidence builders for rescue dogs — something we plan to add next.)

Routine builds trust — for both of us.

DOs:
✔ Establish structure (meals, walks, rest)
✔ Use positive reinforcement (I’m a big fan of clicker training — the same technique dolphin trainers use!)
✔ Reward calm behavior
✔ Provide safe zones and consistency
✔ Have a crate — not as punishment, but as a place of refuge and comfort
✔ When you’re away, set your dog up for success by limiting their space — small, confined areas like a kitchen are ideal while they’re still adjusting
✔ For separation anxiety, don’t reward whining or clingy behavior, and don’t make a big deal when you leave or come home. Calm, cool energy helps your dog feel secure and grounded.

DON’Ts:
✖ Overwhelm with visitors or dog parks too soon
✖ Punish fearful reactions
✖ Expect instant trust — it takes time

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❤️ Coming Soon: The Welcome Home Rescue Initiative

Rescue has officially become part of my business — and my heart.
Starting in 2026, for every client who buys a home and is thinking about adopting, I’ll donate the full adoption fee + a wellness check through a local partner rescue.

Because finding homes isn’t just what I do — it’s what I believe in.
And if those homes come with four paws and a tail? Even better.

If you’re thinking about adopting — or want to meet Luke Skywalker (aka LSW, or as his friends call him, LS Dubs) — reach out! I’m always happy to chat about the adoption process, share what I’ve learned, or set up a little doggy playdate.

P.S. No — adopting Luke doesn’t make me Darth Vader 🙄. I’m Obi-Wan Kobe. 😉🐾✨