Mutts in Need

Mutts in Need is an all breed/size Non-profit Dog Rescue based in Orange County, CA.

Mutts in Need is based in Newport Beach, CA, and rescues and rehomes dogs of all sizes and breeds in SoCal.

11/01/2026

🚨 Chomper (formerly known as Chester A128417) update! 🚨

Chomper saw the specialist today, and we have some good news and some not-so-good news.

The not-so-good news is that he does need surgery. The good news is that it won’t be nearly as invasive as we originally thought.

It appears that Chomper’s unique mouth and nose anatomy isn’t genetic, but rather the result of a previous injury. The specialist believes something sharp may have cut into his mouth, creating the gap between his mouth and nose. His little body did its best to heal the injury, but unfortunately, it didn’t heal quite the way it should have.

The plan is to perform soft tissue surgery to reconstruct the area and close the gap. It’s uncharted territory, even for the specialist, but we’re optimistic about the potential outcome.

Despite everything, Chomper remains a happy, upbeat little guy who is enjoying life outside the shelter and settling into his temporary foster home.

Here’s where we need your help.

We’ve been quoted approximately $6,000 for his surgery. That’s a significant expense for our rescue, but we’re committed to getting Chomper the medical care he needs so he can eventually find his forever home. We can’t do it without your support!

We’re also still looking for a more permanent foster home for him to recover in. Ideally, his foster home would be:
• Located in or near Orange County, CA
• A calm, quiet environment
• Someone who is home most of the day
• Able to enforce strict bed rest following surgery. Chomper is dog-friendly, but no rough play for at least two weeks while he recovers. His recovery will mainly consist of meds, a cone of shame, and a lot of TLC.

If you’re unable to foster, any donation, no matter the amount, would be greatly appreciated. And if donating isn’t an option, sharing this post helps us reach more people.

Thank you to everyone who has followed Chomper’s journey and continues to support him!

Ways to donate:
➡️ Venmo:
➡️ Zelle: [email protected]
➡️ PayPal: [email protected]
➡️ Check: Mutts in Need, PO BOX 28673, Santa Ana, CA 92799

10/31/2026

Meet Mateo!

Mateo is a roughly 6 year old, 16 pound, Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix looking for his forever home!

He was nearly euthanized after he completely shut down and stopped eating at the shelter, but once out of that scary environment, he absolutely blossomed.

About Mateo:

🐶 Great with other dogs
🦮 Good on leash
🏕️ Up for adventures
🛋️ Happy to chill, too

To meet Mateo, please fill out an adoption application HERE: https://muttsinneed.org/apply/adopt

10/30/2026

Last year we had a good samaritan take in 2 puppies that were dumped together in a parking lot in LA. When they were found we originally were told they were older puppies, due to their size, but after vet exams, they were only 4 mos old at the time (and that means they are large puppies). Bernie, one of the brothers, is now approx 14 months old and around 50-55lbs and is getting along well with the other dogs. He has large paws and is projected to grow bigger & even cuter. He is extremely sweet and the master of the puppy eyes. He has the sweetest demeanor and would love to join a family that will dote on him and take him on adventures. Apply to meet Bernie at https://muttsinneed.org/apply/adopt

10/28/2026

Today we honor and say goodbye to our sweet girl, BamBam, who recently crossed the rainbow bridge due to health complications. She was approx 10 years old. For over 4 years, BamBam was fostered by Ashley, one of our long time volunteers, who gave her a home filled with unconditional love, warmth, and security. While potential adopters may have overlooked BamBam year after year, she was never truly waiting for a family—she already had one. She spent her days as a chill, easygoing soul, happily living alongside her foster siblings and soaking in every bit of comfort and care Ashley showered upon her.
Though BamBam was never “officially” adopted on paper, she belonged to all of us, and especially to Ashley, who opened her heart to her for so long. BamBam was so deeply lucky to spend her golden years surrounded by the peace, devotion, and family she deserved. Thank you, Ashley, for being BamBam’s safe harbor, her biggest advocate, and her forever human in every way that truly matters. Rest easy, sweet BamBam—you will always be loved and never forgotten. 🐾🌈❤️

10/28/2026

Tonight marks October 27th, the traditional start of Día de los Mu***os dedicated specifically to welcoming home the spirits of our departed pets. According to tradition, our furry companions are the very first souls to cross back over the bridge, led by the gentle guidance of bright marigolds, warm candle light, and the familiar scent of their favorite treats left on the ofrenda. For those of us in the rescue world, this night holds a tender place in our hearts.

In rescue, not every animal finds their traditional “forever home” before their time comes—whether they were long-term residents, hospice fosters, or animals who passed away while in our care. But tonight serves as a comforting reminder that they were never truly homeless. Every single rescue animal who crosses our path becomes fundamentally ours. We were their family, their safe harbor, and the ones who loved them when it mattered most.

Tonight, as we light our candles, we leave out a bowl of water and honor every tail wag and soul that forever left paw prints on our lives. 🐾🧡🕯️

10/27/2026

UPDATE: Another rescue stepped up to take them in! 🎉

These two sweet 5-month-old Pug mix puppies, Sonnet (A128518) and Serenade (A128519) are currently on **Red Status** and in immediate danger of being euthanized. They are listed as “Rescue Only”, which means a rescue cannot pull them out of the shelter unless we have a committed foster lined up right now.

We desperately need a foster who can commit to taking them for **at least 3 weeks**. We even have a confirmed long-term foster lined up starting around Thanksgiving, so we just need a temporary bridge foster to step in and save their lives today.

➡️What to Expect as a Foster
Serenade has been diagnosed with Demodex mange (confirmed via skin scrape). Demodectic mange is non-contagious to humans and other healthy pets, as it is caused by an overgrowth of microscopic mites naturally found on dogs, which takes hold when a puppy’s immune system is stressed. Treating it simply requires administering regular oral medication or topical treatments and giving medicated baths to help heal her skin and restore her coat. Sonnet is also receiving skin treatment. Aside from their skin care, they are just 5-month-old babies who need a warm, safe spot, basic puppy care, regular meal times, and a quiet space to rest and recover from shelter stress.

If you can foster both puppies together or even just step up for Serenade (the female puppy with Demodex), you will literally be saving a life today. All supplies and guidance are provided by the rescue.

if you cannot foster, please share this post because time is of the essence. Apply to foster at https://muttsinneed.org/apply/foster

10/26/2026

‼️CHOMPER (Chester A128417) UPDATE‼️

Chomper has a big vet appointment coming up this Tuesday, where our veterinary team will closely examine him to review his shelter notes and figure out exactly what surgeries he’ll need so he can breathe easy and thrive.
While Chomper is enjoying every second of his current stay (which is super temporary), we are actively searching for a longer-term foster home for a minimum of 3 weeks (or ideally, through his surgery and full recovery!). Chomper is 4 mos old and approx 14lbs. We want to note that Chomper can eat and drink normally right now so no current extra precautions need to be taken except the below.

FOSTER HOMR REQUIREMENTS
•local to Orange County, CA
•can offer a calm-environment
•someone home majority of the day
•enforce strict bed rest following his surgery (he is dog-friendly but no rough play for at least 2 weeks)

If you can’t foster, any amount donation helps. And if you can’t donate, please share this post. Thank you!
➡️Venmo:
➡️Zelle: [email protected]
➡️PayPal: [email protected]
➡️check: Mutts in Need, PO BOX 28673, Santa Ana, CA 92799

10/25/2026

This cutie is Yale. He is an approx 2 years old, 13lb Spaniel mix. This poor guy was found as a stray in Long Beach and was rescued just in time from being put down at the shelter. Yale is the ultimate lap dog and loves a good car ride. He gets along great with other dogs but mainly loves getting love from humans. While he is bashful at first, he is very sweet...just give him time. He would love to be in a home where there isn’t too much going on at all times and he can just sunbathe and hang out with you.

Adopt Yale at https://muttsinneed.org/apply/adopt

10/24/2026

We JUST rescued Chomper (aka Chester A128417) hours away from death’s door at Hesperia shelter.
At just 14 weeks old and 13lbs, Chomper is gearing up for soft palate surgery so he can breathe easily and thrive! Something a surgery could fix was the one thing that was putting him on the euthanasia list!

This type of surgery and recovery care typically cost around $3,000+, but getting this procedure done early is going to give him the bright future a cute puppy like him deserves.
Chomper had supporters raise almost $1,000 in pledges toward his care—a huge thank you to everyone who has pitched in so far! We now need to raise the remaining $2,000 to fully cover his procedure and post-op care. His appointment is Monday and we’re grateful for any help.

Chomper is fully vaccinated (awaiting neuter) and is extremely sweet with dogs and people. He can eat and drink just fine, he just really needs this surgery. With that said, we need a foster for him once his surgery is complete. Someone to commit for minimum 3 weeks.

FOSTER HOMR REQUIREMENTS
•local to Orange County, CA
•can offer a calm-environment
•someone home majority of the day
•enforce strict bed rest (he is dog-friendly but no rough play for at least 2 weeks)

If you can’t foster, any amount donation helps. And if you can’t donate, please share this post. Thank you!
➡️Venmo:
➡️Zelle: [email protected]
➡️PayPal: [email protected]
➡️check: Mutts in Need, PO BOX 28673, Santa Ana, CA 92799

10/23/2026

Meet Goofy!

True to his name, Goofy is a total delight who is guaranteed to bring endless smiles to your home. Rescued from Phelan with his 2 brothers alongside his sweet mama, Zara, this handsome guy is the ideal mix of confident, playful, and snuggly. With his charming scruffy muzzle, big expressive eyes, and paws that promise plenty of growing ahead, he is as handsome as he is fun.

At around 4 months old, this Shepherd/Terrier mix is expected to grow into a large pup. He is full of curiosity, loves a good chew toy, and is always ready for cuddles after a fun session of playtime in the yard.

Ideal Home:

Experience: Looking for adopters with large-breed experience who can guide a growing pup with proper training, socialization, and structure.

Canine Companion: Prefers a home with another friendly dog to help him play, burn off puppy energy, and show him the ropes.

Apply to meet Goofy: https://muttsinneed.org/apply/adopt

Address

Santa Ana, CA

Website

http://MuttsInNeed.org/

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