About Us
Desert Paws Sanctuary is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abandoned animals. Our mission is to establish a sanctuary for these animals while also offering educational resources and support to low-income communities in the area of animal welfare.
Ready for Adoption
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Anakin
Meet Anakin, a devoted companion with a gentle heart. His previous owner, sadly facing a battle with cancer, had to surrender him. We are dedicated to finding Anakin a wonderful new home. This 2-year-old male Yorkshire mix adores people and gets along beautifully with both cats and dogs.
Anna
These 7-8 week old chihuahuas were surrendered by a family after we intervened when they began giving the puppies away. We were able to save 4 out of the 8, and these little ones deserve the very best homes.
Archie
Archie is a 9- to 10-month-old Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix who was surrendered to us just before being taken to the shelter. Thankfully, one of our fosters stepped in to help. He’s playful, fun, and gets along well with other dogs with proper introductions. Archie is also potty trained, loves to be held, and will be a devoted companion.
Asha
Asha, a 10-year-old Staffordshire, spent her entire life as a stray, observed by many in the community. Despite enduring multiple litters and an old injury, likely from a car accident, she recently underwent surgery for tumors and skin cancer. She is affectionate and gets along with dogs of all sizes. She enjoys spending time outdoors. Now in a permanent foster home, please consider making a donation to support her well-being.
Aspen
Aspen was rescued in Thermal by a good Samaritan. He was found wandering for two days in temperatures over 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Aspen, just a puppy, deserves a loving and nurturing home. He loves to talk, just like huskies do, and is playful with a fondness for toys.
Bandit
Billie
Billie, alongside her sibling, were found in the fields of Thermal. A kind family on a nearby ranch provided them with food and shelter and reached out to us for help since they were only a few weeks old. These playful pups will soon be available for adoption once they are spayed.
Billy
Blanco
Bonita
Broderick
Broderick was rescued from euthanasia after being found with multiple broken bones that required two surgeries. At first, the vet wasn’t sure if he would walk again, but we’re thrilled to share that Broderick is making an amazing recovery and is now able to walk! After three weeks of care at the vet, he’s finally joined his foster mom and is doing incredibly well. Broderick is now available for adoption.
Bubbles
Bubbles is a seven-year-old English Bulldog who was rescued after a lifetime of breeding. She’s endured a lot of pain, and now she’s finally learning to enjoy life as a dog. Bubbles loves playing with other dogs and has made some great friends. Her snoring is absolutely adorable!She’ll need a special adopter who can provide the ongoing care she requires, including regular vet visits for urine cultures. Bubbles recently underwent surgery to treat a bladder infection that had been ongoing for many years. Despite everything she’s been through, she’s ready to find a loving home where she can finally be happy.
Buddy
Buddy was found as a stray after the Fourth of July, and his owners never came forward to claim him. He had a fractured radius when he was rescued. Buddy is a cuddle bug who craves love and attention. He'll be your loyal companion, always wanting to stay by your side. He deserves a loving home where he can receive all the care and attention he needs.
Buster
Buster was originally supposed to stay with us while his owner underwent hip surgery. Unfortunately, his owner did not return home, leaving Buster alone. Buster is an 11-year-old Poodle who would thrive as the only dog in the household. He previously lived with two cats and gets along well with feline companions. Buster is healthy, loves to cuddle, and is both potty and crate trained.
Canelo
Canelo is one of six siblings from an accidental litter. His mother has been spayed. Canelo is now seeking a wonderful and loving homes for them. Canelo is initially shy but is a sweetheart who craves love and affection. He is undergoing potty-training.
CeeCee
Cecee is a 7-8 month old puppy who gets along well with other dogs and cats. Although initially timid, she warms up with a bit of reassurance.
Chansi
Courage
Courage, a Pitbull Terrier, was found as a stray on the eastern side of the Coachella Valley. According to neighbors, he had been limping since they first saw him seven months ago. After rescuing him, we discovered he needed hip surgery, possibly due to being hit by a car. Now in recovery and undergoing hydrotherapy, he is learning to use his leg again. Courage is a sweet, lovable dog who gets along with other dogs and can tolerate cats. He loves to cuddle, won't leave your side, and adores belly rubs. Courage is one of our favorite dogs.
Daizy
Daizy and her sister Macy were abandoned at the Salton Sea Recreation Center. They survived thanks to the nearby lake and the kindness of visitors who fed them. They are estimated to be 6-8 months old. These Shepard mixes love people and other dogs and cats. They are excellent protectors, alerting you if anyone is nearby.
Dodger
These 7-8 week old chihuahuas were surrendered by a family after we intervened when they began giving the puppies away. We were able to save 4 out of the 8, and these little ones deserve the very best homes.
Elora
Elora, a Terrier/Shepard mix, entered the world with paralyzed front legs, but her affectionate nature shines through. Embracing her unique requirements, she flourishes with patience and empathy, bringing boundless joy, love, and appreciation to those who embrace her presence.
Elsa
These 7-8 week old chihuahuas were surrendered by a family after we intervened when they began giving the puppies away. We were able to save 4 out of the 8, and these little ones deserve the very best homes.
Emmy Lou
Emmy Lou, alongside her sibling, were found in the fields of Thermal. A kind family on a nearby ranch provided them with food and shelter and reached out to us for help since they were only a few weeks old. These playful pups will soon be available for adoption once they are spayed.
Feisty
Fiesty is one of six siblings from an accidental litter. We have spayed their mother and are now seeking wonderful and loving homes for them. Fiesty is initially shy but is a sweetheart who craves love and affection. She is undergoing potty-training.
Felix
Felix, a 3.5 month-old tuxedo kitten, is set to captivate with his sleek black coat and endearing eyes that will surely melt your heart.
Fernando
These 7-8 week old chihuahuas were surrendered by a family after we intervened when they began giving the puppies away. We were able to save 4 out of the 8, and these little ones deserve the very best homes.
Gerald
From a frightened stray to a playful, energetic companion, Gerald's transformation is nothing short of magical. This poodle has a humor-filled spirit and a preference for female canine companions. He's ready for a family to share in his playful and loving world.
Gorgeous
Gorgeous is a 4 year-old with a heart full of love. He and his three siblings were rescued from a hoarding situation after their previous owner was evicted, leaving them behind in deplorable, unlivable conditions. Fortunately, caring neighbors stepped in and reached out to us. Gorgeous and her siblings deserve a loving home that will cherish them unconditionally. Since they come from a hoarding environment, they aren’t yet potty trained and will need a patient adopter who understands their challenging past. Gorgeous has a sweet, playful personality and loves to be around her siblings.
Gryffen
Meet Gryffen, a 10-month-old Pitbull who was found on the streets of Indio. From what we've observed, it seems she may have been abused, as she’s fearful of certain things. She’s still learning to enjoy being a dog, including playing with a ball. Gryffen has plenty of energy and, as a young pup, she’ll need proper and gradual introductions to get along well with other dogs.
Handsome
Handsome is a 6-year-old with a heart full of love. He and his three siblings were rescued from a hoarding situation after their previous owner was evicted, leaving them behind in deplorable, unlivable conditions. Fortunately, caring neighbors stepped in and reached out to us. Handsome and his siblings deserve a loving home that will cherish them unconditionally. Since they come from a hoarding environment, they aren’t yet potty trained and will need a patient adopter who understands their challenging past. Handsome has a sweet, calm personality and loves to be around his siblings. He loves people.
Jerry
Jerry, a 10-month-old Chihuahua, was abandoned in Thermal, where he spent several days fending for himself. Malnourished and in need of help, a Good Samaritan reached out to us, and we were able to rescue him. Jerry craves attention and experiences some separation anxiety. He gets along well with other dogs but tends to chase cats.
Keli
Keli is a 1-year and 2-month-old Great Dane/Doberman mix who was rescued from a shelter as a puppy. Due to her owner joining the Air Force, we are now seeking a forever home for her. She gets along well with other dogs and cats and is good with kids, though she sometimes doesn't realize her own size. Keli is energetic and needs an active family. Her favorite toy is a tennis ball, and she loves playing with it for hours.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a sweet 5-month-old Chihuahua who was surrendered with her two siblings, covered in ticks and fleas. Despite her rough start, she’s a joyful puppy who adores playing with her siblings and gets along well with other dogs. Kimchi is incredibly affectionate, loves people, and enjoys being cuddled and held.
Lili
Lili is a 4-month-old puppy who was found wandering the desert with her mother and six siblings. The mother is a Shepard and Lab mix. A Good Samaritan noticed the mother have multiple litters and called animal control, but they only took the puppies, leaving their mother behind. The mother, seen with a male red-nose Pitbull, became pregnant again. The Good Samaritan followed the mother, which led her to the seven puppies. Their father was hit by a vehicle and did not survive.
Linda
Lola The Husky
Lola is a 2-year-old Husky who has faced some challenges despite her young age. She’s a playful and goofy girl who also enjoys lounging around all day. Lola loves water, swimming, and tossing toys around (though she's still learning to bring them back). She’s kennel trained, knows how to sit, and is potty trained. In her previous home, she lived with three other dogs, and she gets along well with other dogs with slow introductions.
Luna our Senior Cat
Marley
Marley is a resilient 4-year-old male Chihuahua mix with a heartwarming story. Although we don’t know much about his past, we do know he was picked up by Blythe Animal Control and transferred to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. He arrived with a large wound on his neck and smaller ones on his face, but Marley has shown incredible strength. He’s a sweet and affectionate dog who gets along well with both people and other dogs. Marley loves cuddles and thrives on attention, proving just how amazing he truly is.
Marlow
Marlow is a bundle of energy who showed up at Natalie's doorstep and never left. He's a big fan of tug-of-war and gets along great with larger dogs. Oh, and if he rolls his eyes at you, don't worry—that's just his cute way of saying he's had enough play for now.
Marvel
With the help of a kindhearted Good Samaritan, we were able to capture and save Marvel. This name suits him well as he demonstrates a remarkable will to live. Marvel was discovered paralyzed with three open wounds on his hind end and was diagnosed with a fractured vertebrae. Despite his challenging situation, he remains a cheerful and lively dog who is eager to share his love and kisses with everyone around him. Marvel enjoys being cuddled and gets along well with both dogs and cats.
Mia
Mia is a 4-month-old puppy who was found wandering the desert with her mother and six siblings. The mother is a Shepard and Lab mix. A Good Samaritan noticed the mother have multiple litters and called animal control, but they only took the puppies, leaving their mother behind. The mother, seen with a male red-nose Pitbull, became pregnant again. The Good Samaritan followed the mother, which led her to the seven puppies. Their father was hit by a vehicle and did not survive.
Mochi
Mochi is a sweet 5-month-old Chihuahua who was surrendered with her two siblings, covered in ticks and fleas. Despite her rough start, she’s a joyful puppy who adores playing with her siblings and gets along well with other dogs. Mochi is incredibly affectionate, loves people, and enjoys being cuddled and held.
Olly
Ollie is a sweet and gentle dog who loves to relax on the couch and watch TV. He is great with people and children. Ollie had a traumatic expereince of being attacked by a large dog. Due to this, a proper introduction with larger dogs will be needed, Ollie is full of energy and enjoys spending time outdoors.
Oreo
Oreo and his sibling were discovered near a trailer home by two young high school students, who are responsible for their survival. They bottle-fed the kittens, but once the kittens turned four weeks old, they could no longer care for them due to financial difficulties.
Oreoo
Oreo,an 11-month-old puppy, rescued from the streets of Mexico. She was found malnourished and pregnant. Thankfully, we were able to save her. She is a loving and wonderful companion who gets along well with cats and dogs. She is a cuddle bug.
Panda
Panda is a beautiful 8- to 10-month-old Australian Shepherd who was rescued from a hoarding situation along with her two siblings. She adores people and does well with smaller dogs but can be fearful around larger dogs and benefits from proper introductions. Panda is ready to find her loving forever home.
Peludita
Peludita is one of six siblings from an accidental litter. We have spayed their mother and are now seeking wonderful and loving homes for them. Peludita is initially shy but is a sweetheart who craves love and affection. She is undergoing potty-training.
Prince
Prince is a 2- to 3-year-old with a heart full of love. He and his three siblings were rescued from a hoarding situation after their previous owner was evicted, leaving them behind in deplorable, unlivable conditions. Fortunately, caring neighbors stepped in and reached out to us. Prince and his siblings deserve a loving home that will cherish them unconditionally. Prince has a sweet, playful personality and loves to be silly and affectionate. He is fully potty trained.
Princess
Princess is a 3-year-old with a heart full of love. She and his three siblings were rescued from a hoarding situation after their previous owner was evicted, leaving them behind in deplorable, unlivable conditions. Fortunately, caring neighbors stepped in and reached out to us. Princess and her siblings deserve a loving home that will cherish them unconditionally. Since they come from a hoarding environment, they aren’t yet potty trained and will need a patient adopter who understands their challenging past. Princess has a sweet, calm personality and loves people.
Rocket Raccoon
Rocket Raccoon is a 5-month-old puppy who looks like a miniature Rottweiler and is bursting with energy. He had a rough start in life, found abandoned in a shoebox on the streets of Mexico with a skin disease. Fortunately, he received proper veterinary care. Rocket is playful, and his little bunny-like hops are adorable. He's teething and already potty trained.
Ruby
Lucy is a 5-month-old puppy who was found wandering the desert with her mother and six siblings. The mother is a Shepard/Lab/Pitbul mix. A Good Samaritan noticed the mother have multiple litters and called animal control, but they only took the puppies, leaving their mother behind. The mother, seen with a male red-nose Pitbull, became pregnant again. The Good Samaritan followed the mother, which led her to the seven puppies. Their father was hit by a vehicle and did not survive.
Shelby
Shelby is a 4-month-old puppy who was found wandering the desert with her mother and six siblings. The mother is a Shepard/Lab/Pitbul mix. A Good Samaritan noticed the mother have multiple litters and called animal control, but they only took the puppies, leaving their mother behind. The mother, seen with a male red-nose Pitbull, became pregnant again. The Good Samaritan followed the mother, which led her to the seven puppies. Their father was hit by a vehicle and did not survive.
Shrimp
Shrimp is a loving kitten who will love you unconditionally. Shrimp might need a sibling to keep him company. Shrimp and his siblings were found behind a mobile home.
Smudge
Snickers
Snickers was found out near Thermal, her mom was deceseas when found. She may havebeen hit by a vehicle. She is a sweet corgi mix, playful and loving.
Spot
Meet Spot, a confident adventurer who loves attention! Once a survivor living near a casino, Spot is now looking for a forever home where he can be the star of the show. He's independent but would love to join you for some quality couch and TV time.
TieDye
Zebra
Ziggy
Ziggy was found as a stray, severely matted and neglected, but he cleaned up beautifully. He’s an incredibly sweet boy with playful puppy energy. Ziggy is potty trained, gets along well with other dogs, though his experience with cats is unknown.
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated board members who make our work possible.
Laura Morales
Chief Executive Officer
Laura Morales holds a BA in Sociology from Pitzer College and a Master's in Guidance and Counseling. Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, she was deeply impacted by the issue of stray dogs in the community. After adopting a boxer mix named Bailey, Laura, alongside her husband Alberto, began dedicating her time to rescuing animals. They have helped over one hundred animals and continue to advocate for abandoned dogs.
Natalie Rivera
Vice President
Natalie Rivera is a Licensed Vocational Nurse from the Coachella Valley. Her passion for animal rescue began at age 4, encouraged by her father who set up feeding stations for strays. As an adult, she continues her father's legacy by rescuing animals and setting up feeding stations, often involving her children in these efforts. Natalie has helped hundreds of animals and is committed to being a voice for the helpless.
Alberto Morales
Secretary
Alberto Morales has always been an animal lover, inspired by his father who often brought home stray dogs. After marrying Laura, his commitment to animal rescue deepened, especially after the loss of their 13-year-old dog, Kobe. Residing in the Coachella Valley for 16 years, Alberto focuses on search and rescue efforts for stray dogs and aims to rehabilitate them for adoption. He believes that community involvement is key to preventing animal suffering.
Yesenia Reynoso
Chief Financial Officer
Yesenia Reynoso graduated from the University of Redlands with a degree in Accounting and was brought up in the Coachella Valley. Witnessing the plight of stray dogs in her community led her to make a promise to give back. She is committed to creating a community of foster caregivers for neglected and abandoned animals. Yesenia believes that all dogs deserve love and a safe haven, a belief she practices with her own two fur babies.