Every Rescue Has a Story

Animal Rescue League of El Paso is nestled on two acres in Canutillo, Texas, where a sign above our gate reads “La Quinta Xenecu” — The Inn of the Weary.

For 31 years, those words have represented what we strive to provide every animal who comes through our gates: a safe place to rest, heal, and begin again.

This past year brought an increase in serious neglect and hoarding cases. In just one month, we took in three dogs suffering from severe matting due to neglect, and we also welcomed multiple animals from hoarding situations, including cases involving five or more animals at a time. Each animal needed medical care, patience, compassion, and time to heal. These cases can be heartbreaking, but watching an animal recover, regain their trust, and begin to thrive again reminds us why we do what we do.

For 15 years our dogs have participated in the PAWS in Detention program, with the El Paso Sheriff’s Office. Through the program, shelter dogs receive basic obedience training while giving participants an opportunity to develop skills, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. It’s another example of how second chances can make a difference for both people and animals.

And this year brought us an extraordinary opportunity to see just how far a rescue dog’s second chance can lead.

We are honored to partner with the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Center El Paso, where six dogs from Animal Rescue League of El Paso have entered their program. Three have now graduated as Critical Incident Response K9s—Chloe, Hercules, and Bentley—while three more continue their training.

Chloe made history as the very first rescue dog to graduate from the U.S. Border Patrol program. Her journey opened the door for other rescue dogs to follow, and we could not be prouder to see Hercules and Bentley join her as graduates.

These stories remind us that we never know where a second chance may lead. Sometimes it leads to a loving family. Sometimes it leads to healing and a new beginning. Sometimes it creates an opportunity for a person to learn, grow, and make a difference. And sometimes, it leads to an extraordinary life of service.

None of this happens alone. It happens because of the incredible network of people who support this work—our staff, our volunteers, fosters, veterinary partners, adopters, community partners, and you, our donors.

This is the work we do together, one animal at a time. ❤️🐾