REPORT
PET SHOP / RESCUE

From Shadows to Sunshine: Raya’s Journey

04/27/2025

CAPS’ Efforts in Saving a Dog on Euthanasia List Result in a Wonderful Forever Home

Some dogs arrive at the shelter and seem to fade into the background—not because they don’t have something special to offer but because the chaos around them drowns it out. Raya was one of those dogs.

She was brought into Kern County Animal Services (KCAS) in Bakersfield as a stray on February 4, 2025, underweight and quietly tucked away in a kennel at the very back of the shelter. That section is known for being tough on dogs—right next to a loud exterior door that keeps the barking constant and the stress high. It’s the kind of environment where many wonderful dogs go unnoticed. And for a while, that’s exactly what happened to Raya.

But sometimes, all it takes is one day to change everything.

In early March, Raya got that day. She was chosen to participate in KCAS’s Streets of Bakersfield – Doggy Day Out—a short-term foster program that gives shelter dogs a break and lets their personalities shine outside the kennel. That day, Raya’s gentle spirit came to light, and she quickly became a favorite.

Still, even after winning hearts, Raya received her “last call.” Her time was nearly up. She was scheduled to be euthanized due to a lack of interest.

That’s when CAPS stepped in.

Our rescue coordinator, Kelci, didn’t hesitate. She drove to the shelter, took photos and videos, and immediately began posting Raya’s story on social media—including Nextdoor, where CAPS has built a wide-reaching, volunteer-powered presence across California, Oregon, and Washington. Through this network, Raya’s face and story reached thousands of eyes in just hours.

It was on Nextdoor that a couple in Rancho Cucamonga, California saw her. They were out of town for the week, but they reached out to say they wanted to adopt her as soon as they got back.

The shelter would not hold her that long.  So, Kelci didn’t hesitate. She brought Raya home, gave her a warm bath, and made a promise to keep her safe until her family could come.

That one act of compassion made all the difference.

In just a few days, Raya blossomed. She went from being withdrawn and lethargic’s to zooming joyfully through the backyard, playing with the family dogs, and bonding with the kids. She even got a nickname—Raya Sunshine—because she lit up the house with her calm joy and sweet nature.

She was housebroken, great on leash, friendly with cats and other dogs, and deeply affectionate. And once treated for worms, she quickly began gaining weight—putting on five healthy pounds in just a week.

On March 17, her new family finally arrived. There were happy tears as Raya—now Lola—was loaded into their car, headed to her forever home.

Today, Lola is thriving. She spends her days exploring her family’s desert property, enjoying constant companionship thanks to her mom working from home, and soaking up all the love and comfort she missed for so long.

Raya’s story is a reminder that connection saves lives. Without CAPS’ committed volunteers sharing her story across Nextdoor and beyond, her new family never would’ve seen her. And without that community, Raya might not have gotten her second chance.

Thanks to that network—and the belief that every dog deserves to be seen—Raya got her shot. And she ran with it, straight into the sunshine.

 

 

Stand With Us.

Donate monthly - Become a regular supporter