Two months ago, Sophie, a 5-6 month-old German Shepherd, was turned in to the shelter by her owner because she couldn’t afford medical care. The owner said Sophie was attacked by another dog two days prior. She clearly had a broken front leg and over 50 puncture wounds. She was covered in dirt so the first thing done by our staff member Chelsea was bathe her. Despite the pain she must have been feeling, Sophie was so sweet and loving to everyone. Our kennel supervisor Jen took her to an off-site vet, Dr. Boyd, for X-rays and exam. He cleaned up her wounds and put her on pain meds and antibiotics. He said the infection was already setting in so she was probably attacked at least a week before being turned in. Our Rescue Liason, Susanne, reached out to Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC (https://www.facebook.com/coastalgsr). They agreed to come get her the next day. They took her to their vet. She underwent surgery to repair her broken leg, along with the insertion of multiple drains. Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC says she is doing amazing and is now ready to be adopted. Thank you Coastal German Shepherd Rescue OC and all our rescue partners for your support as we continuously work hard to Make a Difference One Life at a Time.

In November, Nell was looking for the perfect German Shepherd mix. As she explored rescue dogs online Nell saw one-year old Luna Bear's post on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/vvapl.humanesociety) and messaged about her. The biggest problem was about 2,000 miles. Nell lives in Chicago but wanted to adopt Luna Bear from our shelter, located in Apple Valley, CA. But with dedication and newfound love, a solution will always be found... Nell completed the adoption over the phone. Next she found a pet sitter here in Apple Valley to keep Luna Bear for 3 days until her friend, a transporter, picked Luna Bear up and took the sweet shepherd to her new home in Chicago. Today, Luna Bear lives with her new owner Nell and her boyfriend Justin, who adore her. She is currently being trained to be a service dog. Thank you, Nell, for giving Luna Bear a forever home.

MORE INFO VVAPL TO SUSPEND ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATIONS ​ As of the end of day April 30, 2023, VVAPL will no longer accept animals or provide low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services to public animals. Animal adoptions will continue until all adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues. After the remaining animals are placed and shelter operations suspended, the Board of Directors will strategize on the best path forward for the nonprofit to continue with their mission to save animal lives. “Suspending shelter operations does not mean the end of the animal shelter. In many ways, it will be a new beginning,” said VVAPL Board President Terry Saenz. “For the most part, this shelter was built on a model of receiving most operation revenue from a full-time vet. While this transition is not without pain, it became clear after the recent pandemic deluge of animals, increasing costs, loss of the full-time vet, and not finding a replacement after over 6 months of a nationwide search, the reimbursement from the city contract, along with donations, is not enough to sustain operations in its current form. The Board is looking forward to building a sustainable model using a variety of revenue streams and keeping Charles and Dorothy Thomas’ dream alive of an animal shelter that continues for years to come to Make a Difference One Life at a Time .” Victor Valley Animal Protective League opened the first animal shelter in the Victor Valley in 1962 followed by a low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic in 1980. VVAPL’s Board of Directors and employees have valued the long relationship with the city in our joint quest to provide quality care to the animals of the Victor Valley. Updates will be posted on the website at vvapl.org and Facebook page. LATEST NEWS Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) is a lifesaving leader in the Victor Valley, located in Southern California, dedicated to saving animal lives. ADOPT Adopting a pet saves and changes lives for good. Pets belong with people, and adopting from VVAPL helps to place wonderful dogs and cats in loving homes across the nation and beyond. MORE INFO FOSTER Fostering a shelter pet for any amount of time enriches their lives and opens up space at the shelter. Being a foster is a rewarding way to improve the lives of dogs and cats in our community. MORE INFO VOLUNTEER Volunteering at VVAPL is an easy way to give back to your community, and helps us meet our mission of saving every pet that can be saved. Read on to learn more about our volunteer programs. MORE INFO DONATE Your donations (recurring or one-time) help to keep the lights on, our staff paid, and the dogs and cats warm and safe while we find them new homes. Learn more about supporting VVAPL below. MORE INFO Give a lifesaving gift today. Saving Animals Since 1958 $100 $50 $25 OTHER ABOUT US Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) is a non-profit 501(c)3 animal shelter and adoption center serving the Victor Valley communities and beyond. We provide homeless animals with shelter and care while working to find them new homes. VVAPL helps more than 2,000 animals each year. All pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered prior to adoption. OUR MISSION To save animal lives and make a difference by providing compassionate care, loving homes, and empowering and engaging pet parents and the community with low-cost services, resources and education. Become a VVAPL Furry Friend Hero! Our Furry Friends Heroes monthly giving program provides revenue support we can count on, allowing us to focus our energy on saving and caring for animals instead of fundraising. It's also a good way to show your commitment to VVAPL's lifesaving mission. MAKE A MONTHLY GIFT Subscribe to Our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Thanks for subscribing! Contact CONTACT SUBMIT Thanks for submitting! DIRECTIONS VICTOR VALLEY ANIMAL PROTECTIVE LEAGUE 21779 Zuni Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92307 info@vvapl.org (760) 247-2102

Suspension of Animal Shelter Operations FAQ ​ 1. Is the animal shelter open? The Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) animal shelter will remain open until all adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues. Please check our website and Facebook page for updates on available animals. VVAPL will fulfill all spay/neuter and pet vaccination appointments through April 30, 2023. No medical service appointments will be made after April 30, 2023. After all remaining adoptable animals are placed, VVAPL will suspend animal shelter operations. ​ 2. Why is VVAPL suspending animal shelter operations? For the most part, the animal shelter was built on a model of receiving most operation revenue from a full-time vet. While this transition is not without pain, it became clear after the recent pandemic deluge of animals, increasing costs, loss of the full-time vet, and not finding a replacement after over 6 months of a nationwide search, the reimbursement from the city contract, along with donations, is not enough to sustain operations in its current form. The Board is looking forward to building a sustainable model using a variety of revenue streams and keeping Charles and Dorothy Thomas’ dream alive of an animal shelter that continues for years to come to Make a Difference One Life at a Time. ​3. When will the animal shelter suspend operations? VVAPL will suspend animal shelter operations when the remaining adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues. 4. Is the spay/neuter and vaccination clinic suspending services? VVAPL will fulfill all spay/neuter and pet vaccination appointments through April 30, 2023. No medical service appointments will be made after April 30, 2023. 5. What will happen to the animals? Animal adoptions will continue until all adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues. Please check our website and Facebook page for updates on available animals. 6. How do I adopt an animal? You may visit our shelter Tuesday - Saturday from 10AM-2PM without an appointment. For any questions please reach out via info@vvapl.org or calling (760) 247-2102. Please check back frequently as this procedure will be changing. 7. What will happen to the nonprofit (Victor Valley Animal Protective League)? For the most part, this shelter was built on a model of receiving most operation revenue from a full-time vet. While this transition is not without pain, it became clear after the recent pandemic deluge of animals, increasing costs, loss of the full-time vet, and not finding a replacement after over 6 months of a nationwide search, the reimbursement from the city contract, along with donations, is not enough to sustain operations in its current form. The Board is looking forward to building a sustainable model using a variety of revenue streams and keeping Charles and Dorothy Thomas’ dream alive of an animal shelter that continues for years to come to Make a Difference One Life at a Time. ​ ​

About SAVING LIVES SINCE 1958 Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving the Victor Valley Communities and beyond. We are the contracted animal shelters for the cities of Victorville and Adelanto providing shelter to homeless animals relinquished by their guardians, rescued from abuse or neglect, and stray or abandoned animals. VVAPL provides and maintains a safe, clean and humane environment for the unwanted animals in our shelter. All animals are treated with the utmost care and respect, making their stay as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to find homes for as many animals as possible. No abuse will be tolerated. Our services, programs and community education are available to anyone, regardless of where you reside. Our funding is provided through donations, fundraising, grants, endowments, foundations, and service fees. Our top priority is, and will always be, the welfare of our animals as we strive to continue… Making a Difference One Life at a Time