Abandoned Dog Bites LA Rescuer, Even After She Offered A Cheeseburger

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, amidst the busy streets, a little dog was silently suffering. 

For weeks, she had taken shelter behind a broken fence, curling up to sleep alone at night and crying softly as the city quieted down. 

But thanks to the compassion of a few kind strangers and the determined efforts of Hope For Paws, this frightened soul named Sassy is now on a journey toward a brighter future. 

And how she got her name? Well, that’s a story for later, one worth remembering, for sure.

The story began when Hope For Paws, an LA-based animal rescue organization, received a call about an abandoned dog hiding near a busy street. 

Concerned residents reported hearing the little dog whimper at night, her cries echoing through the neighborhood. 

No one knew where she had come from, but everyone noticed one thing: she was terrified and desperately alone.

Despite her fear, there was one glimmer of trust: a kind man named Gustavo, who had been feeding her every day. 

Though the dog, later confirmed to be female, wouldn’t let anyone get too close, she seemed to have formed a tentative bond with Gustavo.

Knowing they had to approach her carefully to avoid scaring her further, the rescue team devised a thoughtful plan.

They decided to use the trust she had in Gustavo to their advantage. If he could walk up a nearby set of stairs, they hoped she would follow. Once she did, they would block the stairs, securing her safely and calmly in a smaller space.

The plan worked. The dog followed Gustavo as expected, and the team quickly moved into action, enclosing the area so they could proceed with the rescue. 

But even with the enclosure in place, they approached with extreme patience and care, knowing the dog was overwhelmed and unsure.

Two rescuers, including longtime volunteer Loreta Frankonyte, slowly moved in with calming voices and open hands. 

Loreta offered a small piece of cheeseburger, hoping the scent would be enough to earn the dog’s trust. It almost worked, until fear took over, and the dog gave Loreta a quick, panicked nip on the finger.

It was more of a nip than a bite, and Loreta took it like a champ!

Despite the small injury, Loreta and the team didn’t give up. With steady hands and soft voices, they eventually secured the little dog safely in their arms. 

Though she growled and barked out of fear, the rescuers understood it wasn’t aggression, but a scared little dog trying to protect herself.

Once she was safely leashed and in the rescuer’s arms, it was as if a switch had flipped. They placed her gently into a crate and prepared to drive her to the vet for a checkup.

As the team climbed into the car, Loreta laughed through the tension, and in the video we can hear her joking:

“Good girl! I don’t know why I’m calling her good girl… Little biter!”

It was in that lighthearted moment that the team gave her a fitting name: Sassy.

At the vet’s office, Sassy began to settle. It was as if she knew she was finally safe. Her frightened eyes softened, and her tense body began to relax.

After a warm, soothing bath, she seemed like a completely new dog. The dirt and fear melted away, revealing a beautiful little soul with a spark of life returning to her eyes.

After her initial care, Sassy was placed with their friends at LA Animal Rescue, where she continued her recovery surrounded by kindness, and even made a new friend named Paddington. 

The two pups bonded quickly, enjoying sunshine, playtime, and even a stroll among blooming tulips. It was a sight to behold: a once-scared stray now walking with confidence, joyfully exploring the world like it was all new again.

Sassy’s transformation has been nothing short of magical. From crying alone in the dark to playing in the sun with a new best friend, she’s proven just how resilient a dog’s heart can be with a little patience, love, and hope.

Now, Sassy is ready for the next chapter, finding a forever home where she’ll never have to feel scared or alone again. 

She’s still got a bit of that sass in her (hence the name!), but underneath is a loving, playful pup who just needed a second chance.

Sassy owes her life to the people who made that possible, Gustavo, Loreta, the Hope For Paws team, and LA Animal Rescue!

And to anyone considering opening their home to a rescue dog, just remember: sometimes the most scared dogs turn out to be the most grateful, loving companions.

Sassy is looking for a forever family. Could it be you?