For years, we’ve talked about how — and when — Camp Happy Paws might give back in a bigger way. Dogs are the reason we do what we do, after all. They’ve shaped our days, our values, and our community here at camp.
Now, with full hearts and a lot of intention, we’re excited to share something new we’re beginning to explore: a small-scale foster collaboration we’re testing out alongside trusted rescue partners.
This is not a formal program launch (yet!). It’s a thoughtful first step as we learn, grow, and see how we can best support dogs in need while staying true to the level of care we hold ourselves to every single day.
Our Rescue Partners
As part of this program, Camp Happy Paws has begun collaborating with two incredible rescue organizations: Mexdogs in Mexico City and Turning Points Dog Ranch on Vashon Island.
Both organizations share our belief that rescue work should be thoughtful, humane, and centered on each individual dog’s wellbeing.
Turning Points Dog Ranch
Turning Points Dog Ranch is led by our longtime friend Steph — a true dog advocate and the heart behind the rescue. Located on Vashon Island, Turning Points provides dogs with stability, structure, and care as they transition toward their forever homes. When Steph invited us to join her mission in a small, supportive way, we were honored to say yes.
Mexdogs
Mexdogs is a rescue organization based in Mexico City, run by an extraordinarily dedicated team of dog lovers. Their work focuses on rescuing Mexican street dogs and providing essential veterinary care, socialization, and spay/neuter services before dogs ever begin the journey toward permanent homes.
We encourage you to visit their Instagram pages (@mexdogs and @turningpoints_dogranch) to learn more about the meaningful work they do every day.
How Camp Happy Paws Is Helping
During this pilot phase, select dogs will live and spend time with us at Camp Happy Paws as they prepare for their next chapter. Our experienced team focuses on socialization with people and other dogs, early training foundations, enrichment, routine, confidence-building, and of course, plenty of snuggles.
Our entire staff has been involved, bringing the same care, structure, and attention that our boarding and day camp dogs receive.
And honestly? We’ve been blown away. Our first two foster dogs, Adela and Cannoli, came to us from Mexico and were transported north by CHP staff before spending time here at camp. They quickly charmed our team with their engaged, lovable personalities — making fast friends, playing hard, and finding their forever homes in under two weeks.
What These Dogs Have Taught Us
One of the most powerful parts of this experience has been witnessing the dogs themselves. Their adaptability. Their resilience. Their openness to trust, love, and move forward — even after everything they’ve experienced.
They remind us daily why this work matters.
We can’t wait to introduce more special dogs to our community as we continue learning what this foster collaboration program could become.
Looking Ahead
Because this is still a test phase, we’re taking things slowly and intentionally. Our priority is always the dogs — their comfort, safety, and long-term success — and we want to be sure that anything we build aligns fully with our values and standards of care.
We’re incredibly grateful to our partners, our staff, and our wider Camp Happy Paws community for supporting us as we explore this new way of giving back.
Stay tuned — there’s more to come. 🐾