A Very Betsy Holiday: Helping long-stay and big-hearted dogs
At Eastwood Ranch Foundation, we meet all kinds of dogs – shy ones, goofy ones, older ones, tiny ones, and the big-hearted, big-bodied pups whose journeys take a little more time. This holiday season, we’re highlighting the dogs who stay with us the longest, and the compassion it takes to help them thrive while they wait for the right family. And no one represents that better than Betsy.
Betsy’s Story Represents So Many Others
Betsy came to ERF from an overcrowded LA County shelter, where large-breed dogs like her are often overlooked through no fault of their own. She ended up on the euthanasia list simply because space ran out and adopters didn’t come in time.
But Betsy is loving, gentle, silly, and incredibly people-oriented. She’s fully potty trained, adores kids, and has a talent for turning any outfit into a photoshoot moment. Her only real quirk? She prefers to be the only dog in the home – something that significantly reduces her adoption prospects, even though she’s a wonderful companion.
Betsy is our longest-stay dog right now, but she is far from alone. She stands in for every dog who needs extra time, extra support, and extra patience while they wait for a forever home.
Why Long-Stay Dogs Need Us More
Large-breed and long-stay dogs face unique challenges:
- They are often overlooked in shelters due to size or breed stereotypes.
Some need to be the only pet in the home. - Housing restrictions and insurance limitations make placement harder.
- Many simply need more time to decompress, train, or build confidence.
At ERF, we don’t give up on these dogs.
We give them what they deserve: time, love, support, and stability.
How Your Support Helps Dogs Like Betsy Thrive
Thanks to donors, long-stay dogs receive:
- Training, Enrichment & Socialization – Daily walks, puzzle feeders, and toys keep their minds active and their spirits high. Onsite trainers and animal behavior specialists work with these dogs to encourage socialization and group play
- Care & Medical Support – Health care, behavior support, confidence-building exercises, and consistent schedules that help them settle.
- A Loving Environment – From staff and volunteers who adore them, comfort them, and give them the stability they’ve never had.
These resources transform a long-stay dog’s experience from “waiting” into living.
Your Holiday Gift Makes a Real Difference
Dogs like Betsy may stay with us longer, but they deserve every bit of time, care, and hope we can give them.
This holiday season, your support ensures we never have to rush their journey.
Through December 31, all gifts are matched up to $100,000, doubling your impact.
- $40 feeds Betsy or another along-stay dog for one week
- $75 provides two weeks of specialized training and enrichment
- $100 supports a full week of care
- $175 gives nearly two weeks of safety, enrichment, and love
Your gift today ensures dogs like Betsy have the time, stability, and care they need to find the family they deserve.
Two Ways to Help Betsy Today
1. Share Betsy’s Story
Your voice helps her reach the family she’s been waiting for. Use the social media links below to “Spread the Love” and share Betsy’s journey.
2. Donate to Support Long-Stay Dogs
Your gift ensures dogs like Betsy receive everything they need while they wait for the right home.
👉 Apply to Foster or Adopt
👉 Donate Today — Every Gift Is Matched
Betsy is loved, safe, and thriving because of people like you. And with your support, every long-stay dog at ERF can experience the same care, stability, and hope.
A Very Betsy Holiday is really about all of them — the dogs who need us most.
Thank You for Supporting Long-Stay & Big-Hearted Dogs
