Photo Diary: A Day at the Shelter with Wags and Walks

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that I have a soft spot for animal rescue. In fact, my own two pups Chloe and Fitz were adopted from shelters in the Los Angeles area. And last year, my mom started fostering litters of puppies for a local rescue organization called Wags and Walks. Wags and Walks was founded by Lesley Brog, an incredible woman who dedicates her life to rescuing family-friendly dogs and placing them in loving homes. This organization is special because they don’t choose their dogs based off of size, age, or breed. Dogs are chosen based on their disposition and likelihood to thrive when placed into a caring home. And this year alone, my mom helped to save 19 dogs for Wags and Walks through fostering. She’s pretty amazing!

This month, my editorial team and I got to experience first hand how Lesley and her volunteers hand select dogs for their organization. We met the Wags and Walks crew at the South Los Angeles Animal Services Center and tagged along while they searched for some sweet, loving pups to take out of the shelter and place with foster families.

Below are some moments captured from our trip to the animal shelter with Wags and Walks…

We spent time walking from cage to cage, interacting with all of the dogs along the way.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to take them all home!

The animal shelter let us pass out doggie treats to the pups.

There are so many sweet and well-behaved dogs waiting to find their forever families.

Lesley walked around carefully choosing which dogs she wanted to meet. She then let the shelter staff know which ones to let out to play!

This Pit Bull mix was the sweetest little girl.

Lesley then gave each of the dogs some behavior tests, making sure that they could handle families with small children. These cuties passed the “Lesley Test” with flying colors.

This ladies man is the definition of lap dog!

Lesley and her team chose six dogs to come home with them, and they’re all available on WagsandWalks.org right now for adoption!

It was pretty amazing to watch the Wags and Walks team in action. They work tirelessly to save as many dogs as they can, and it was pretty special to get to be a part of it. My team and I are looking forward to some more shelter visits, and maybe even an LC.com adoption event. Stay tuned for that!

If you are interested in donating, fostering, volunteering, or even adopting a dog from Wags and Walks, please visit their website. There are so many sweet, furry friends waiting to steal your heart!

Have you adopted an animal?

I’d love to hear your story in the comments.

XO Lauren

Photos: stephanie todaro photography for laurenconrad.com