If you have come to this website because a Dharma volunteer referred you, so you can get information to help your dog or cat, please pay it forward and make a donation to our rescue for the time a volunteer spent with to help your furry companion.


Dharma Rescue for cats and Dogs is an all- volunteer 501(c) (3) non-profit holistic rescue organization based in Torrance, Southern California. We are committed to finding homes for unwanted pets in our community. We specialize in caring for seniors and special need cats and dogs using alternative and conventional treatment. We offer alternative education and assistance to encourage pet guardians not to give up their senior, physically challenged or ill cat or dog.

We have found that conventional medical care can be very expensive for guardians and rescuers; so our goal is to have a rescue wellness center, where older animals or special needs that are difficult to place in homes have a safe and comfortable place to live out their lives with loving care. Working with holistic vets and like minded volunteers, the center would offer education and assistance to pet guardians, and other rescue groups to care for seniors or special needs.

(Click on picture to make it bigger)

RANDY - 5-yr old, male, Australian Shepherd, neutered.

I was found wandering the streets. The person who found me tried to find my home, but had no success. At the time, I wasn't neutered, was filthy, and was suffering from a big abscess on my neck, as well as an infected ear. If I had been neutered, I probably wouldn't have have been wandering the streets looking for female dogs to breed with. I am not house trained, and because of my strong drive to breed, I mark everywhere. The person who found me could not keep me, but did not want to take me to the shelter.

The folks at Dharma Rescue took me in and immediately I was neutered. Both my abscess and my infected ear were treated as well. I basically got an extreme K-9 makeover. While I'm recuperating,  being trained to be a good house dog. It may take 2-3 months, before I am completely healed and ready to be adopted. They rescue wants to be sure I know how to behave, and do not soil my forever home. Good "Moms" these rescuer folks are!

As you can see, I've kept my rescue very busy. My medical procedures were quite costly, so donations are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about me, please E-mail my rescue at info@dharmarescue.org

Update: February 4,2010
 Hello world! It has been about 2 weeks since I was neutered and I feel G-R-E-A-T! It's like a big weight has been lifted and I can think clearly now. I no longer mark places every 4 seconds. I was so serious before and the only thing on my mind was girls, but now, I want to play, spin, roll on my back and look cute. Dharma Rescue has another month to work with me to get me fully house-trained, but I am so smart that I will learn that one quickly. I’m still not sure about cats; I love chasing them.

***VET Update***
When I had my third visit to the vet, they took the stitches out of my neck and it healed nicely. My private place is healing nicely as well and I gained a much needed 8 lbs. Dharma Rescue asked the vet if I had ever had hematomas in my ears that were left untreated. The vet confirmed that I previously did have them, but they were neglected and healed on their own. As a result, my ears are a little scarred on the inside and I may be prone to ear infections. The vet said that I may possibly go deaf early, but they never think negatively around here. We are confident that my ears will be better with time. I also received a much needed makeover which included a very nice bath, fluff dry and my feet were trimmed up too! I feel so handsome! Since all dogs and cats are special at Dharma Rescue, we all get yummy unprocessed food. I love being on the raw diet and I feel so much healthier. They say the next best thing to my new life here is a forever home.