Once known as Beauty, Frida was brought in as a stray to Kern County Animal Services in Bakersfield on September 15, 2022.
Frida’s life began to change when a woman took her out for a day as part of Streets of Bakersfield, a foster-for-a-day program that allows the public to take shelter dogs out for adventures. That day, Frida visited a pumpkin patch and quickly became a crowd favorite. Her gentle spirit and loving energy were impossible to ignore. The woman who spent the day with her knew this dog was something special. After returning her to the shelter, she continued to visit, bringing treats and affection.
But time was not on Frida’s side. Before long, the shelter placed her on the euthanasia list.
Unable to adopt her herself, the woman reached out for help. CAPS stepped in and featured Frida as urgent on social media, hoping for a miracle. That miracle came in the form of Simone, a woman in the Los Angeles area who saw the post and knew she had to save Frida. On November 5, 2022, Frida was officially adopted, beginning a brand new chapter of her life.
Today, Frida is thriving. She has a dog brother, a warm bed, and a family that adores her. Frida spends her days exploring the world with new confidence and joy. Once fearful of the ocean, she now charges into the waves, tail wagging. She goes on long hikes, dons an adorable raincoat on rainy days, and curls up like a donut at night on the bed she shares with her humans. Frida inspects groceries with great curiosity, enjoys spa days, and gets delicious snacks.
Frida’s mom is a veteran, and together they’ve found a powerful new mission. Frida has been working with a trainer to become a certified therapy dog for veterans. She’s almost there and just fine-tuning her very enthusiastic greetings. In the meantime, she’s already a star at the American Legion, where her calm and loving presence brings comfort and joy to all the veterans who meet her.
Frida also helps her mom at local veterans’ centers and food banks, offering snuggles and kisses to people who need it most. Simone recently shared, “We’ve been working a lot on her socialization and interacting with people in public. I’m just so proud of her calm, loving presence.”
Frida has even participated in the 2nd Annual Independence Day Dog Parade in Long Beach, celebrating Vets and Pets, and has dressed up as a spooky ghost for Halloween. She’s worn matching pajamas with her mom, dad, and dog brother, and has spent cozy nights lying by the fire with a full belly and a heart full of love.
From a shelter dog on the brink of losing her life to a therapy dog in training, Frida’s transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion, second chances, and community support.
Thanks to her foster-for-a-day companion, Simone, and the tireless work of CAPS, Frida is living the life every dog deserves.
How You Can Help
Please consider donating to CAPS to help us continue our life-saving work. Your support allows us to network urgent dogs, raise awareness, and connect them with adopters and rescues who can give them the future they deserve.
