Photo courtesy of Andrea King
By CAILY GALVEZ | Contributing Writer
The Palisades Charter High School Tideline journalism class is coordinating the submission of a series of pieces the Palisadian-Post is publishing from the school’s periodical. A version of this piece originally appeared in Tideline.
These are the Dog Days of December—a fact not lost on a former Palisades Charter High School student who has made it her mission to find homes for animals housed in local shelters.
Erin Lovejoy, who started a nonprofit animal rescue organization in April 2010, now finds herself trying to find homes for dogs, some of whom were abandoned by people who adopted them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based in Los Angeles, The Lovejoy Foundation has helped find homes for more than 13,000 dogs that have been surrendered or found as strays.
“With a sales and marketing background, she was familiar with the techniques that would help launch her vision of The Lovejoy Foundation,” according to the foundation’s website. “The vision was a peaceful outside setting, for a dog and puppy sanctuary; a place for the public to come and play and adopt the puppies and dogs.
“Erin stands strong behind her belief that through educating the youth, the awareness will impact the future dramatically with the neglected, abandoned and abused animals on the streets and in the shelters. Her goal is no dog is left without a purpose, or without a job, or without a home.”
Donations are needed to continue this mission and save more animals, according to Pali High Librarian Andrea King, who volunteers at Lovejoy. Any donations will be used to support a series of programs, including medical care, food and supplies.
There are a few ways to get involved, and anyone interested is encouraged to volunteer time, join the list of monthly sponsors or merely spread the word through social media.
King, who has adopted puppies from the group, urged more people to get involved in rescuing.
“Lovejoy is a rescue,” King said. “These are abandoned and abused dogs. Why not [adopt] instead of getting a designer dog and help lower the population for dogs who have nowhere to go and no home?”
According to its website, the foundation hosts adoption events every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Clubhouse, located at 1121 West Hillcrest Boulevard in Inglewood. They also have vaccination clinics during the event from 12 to 2 p.m.
While adoption may not always be an option for people, especially students, there is an opportunity for anyone to volunteer. Pali High students may earn community service hours by taking dogs for walks on any given Saturday or Sunday.
Unlike many shelters, Lovejoy even provides resources to people who need help after adopting a dog.
King said she became familiar with Lovejoy after her dog died.
“My lab died after 16 years, and we waited some months,” she said. “I wanted to adopt another dog, and I was running all over everywhere. When I heard of this place, I went there and knew I was going to adopt my dogs.”
During this holiday season, consider giving the gift of time, money or a loving home. As King attested, Lovejoy is making a huge difference for those involved in the community.
Anyone interested in supporting The Lovejoy Foundation is encouraged to call 310-641-1537.
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