Lana
First, let me say this: you are angels. Your website, your mission, and your people have brought immeasurable joy back into my life.
In August of 2024, I lost my boy Cody—my 14½-year-old male Malinois and my constant companion, from California through the Nevada deserts to the mountains of Park City, Utah. We walked and camped along Wyoming’s Middle Fork Creek and swam in Oregon’s Columbia River. Those adventures shaped my life, and those memories will stay with me forever. On August 29th, I had to let Cody cross the Rainbow Bridge, and with him went the rhythm of my days. My home fell silent.
When my neighbors began fostering a dog through Paws of Coronado, they hoped it might bring me comfort. While that dog wasn’t the right match, it led me to your website—and that’s when I saw Lana. Lana, a four-year-old Lab/Shepherd mix with what the staff lovingly called “helicopter ears,” immediately captured my heart. On April 4th, 2025, I began checking the website regularly, appreciating how easy it was to navigate and how thoughtfully each dog was introduced. When I learned Lana would be returning from foster care on April 8th, I scheduled a visit right away.
From the moment I arrived—pleasantly surprised by the shelter’s own parking lot!—I was welcomed with warmth. I met Lana in the side yard, where she instantly showed me her sweet, affectionate nature and her absolute love for belly rubs. During our walk through the Coronado neighborhood, she was gentle, curious, and joyful. Yet, emotionally, I felt I wasn’t quite ready to adopt, and the staff completely understood. The next day, I received a call explaining that Lana hadn’t responded well to returning to the shelter. Would I consider fostering her for a few days? Without hesitation, I said yes.
Before sending Lana home with me, the staff carefully ensured my home and yard were a good fit. They sent us off fully prepared—with a crate, bedding, food, treats, toys, and even her medication. On the drive home, I felt something I hadn’t felt since losing Cody: the joy of traveling with a dog again. Lana looked out every window, soaking in the world. When she entered her new backyard, she exploded into joyful zoomies—running, smiling, stopping only briefly for belly rubs. The next morning, I called Paws of Coronado and told them the truth: Lana was already home. I wanted to finalize the adoption.
Now, nine months later, Lana fills my life with love and adventure. We hike, travel, visit dog parks and beaches, and she greets every person—young or old—with pure joy and unconditional love. She’s shared holidays with family and friends and has become a source of happiness for everyone she meets.
Paws of Coronado didn’t just help me adopt a dog—they helped heal my heart. Your follow-up calls, kindness, and genuine care have meant the world to both Lana and me. Thank you for delivering angels and for bringing unconditional love back into my life.
— Lana’s Family
Alice
Previously Known as Vitani, came in as a stray and was a long-term resident.
The moment we met her, it was clear she had chosen us. She settled in quickly and showed her gratitude in the sweetest ways — resting her head on our shoulder, chest, or leg, as if to say thank you for bringing her home.
On March 1st, it will be a year since we adopted our girl, Alice in Wonderland. She started as just “Alice,” inspired by the Twilight saga (her cat sister is Bella), but her love for exploring our big yard, diving through bunny tunnels, and chasing bunnies made the “in Wonderland” part feel inevitable. We chose her for her beauty and size, but the moment we met her, it was clear she had chosen us. She made herself at home quickly and had the sweetest way of showing her gratitude — resting her head on our shoulder, chest, or leg, as if to say thank you for bringing her home. One of her funniest quirks is that she snores while awake and fake-sleeps, which we’re convinced is her dramatic way of showing she’s definitely not interested in our food. Our favorite memory with Alice is her first Christmas — having her safe, loved, and part of a family after being off the streets was incredibly special. She is wild, playful, gentle, and so proud, especially when she catches a bunny. To future adopters, my advice is to go in with an open heart and trust the pull you feel toward a certain animal — there’s a reason for it. Be patient, especially with pets who’ve experienced trauma; love and time help them trust again. I truly can’t imagine life without Alice — it feels like she’s always been ours, and I’m so grateful that we found each other. 🐾😌
— Alice in Wonderland’s Family
Fitz
Previously Known as Lolita, Lola came in as a stray, long-term resident staff & volunteer favorite.
Fitz was the very first dog we met, and we instantly knew he was special. After playing with his beloved tennis balls, he curled up in our laps as we learned how far he’d come since being rescued from the streets of Tijuana and lovingly rehabilitated by his foster family. We chose to adopt from Paws because we wanted a furry friend to complete our family and to support their mission.
We decided to foster first—but after just two days, we knew he had to be ours. Fitz is quirky, funny, incredibly affectionate, and trusting. What truly won us over was the way his little tongue sticks out when he’s sleepy. He’s the perfect cuddle buddy and loves sitting at your feet, smiling while you scratch behind his ears. Our friends lovingly describe him as “derpy,” and it fits him perfectly.
Fitz adjusted beautifully and has shown none of the traits we were warned about early on. Every day with him—and every cuddle—is our favorite memory. To future adopters: don’t let a dog’s past define them. They are so much more than where they came from. All they need is patience, grace, and a little consistency. Adopt, don’t shop!
— Fitz Family
Lola
Previously Known as Lolita, Lola came in as a stray, long-term resident staff & volunteer favorite.
When we first saw her photo on the PAWS website, my husband joked that not many people want an old, big dog. I reminded him that I married one! We called PAWS the very next day and brought her home. From the start, she adjusted quickly and became part of our routine, settling into daily walks and family life.
Now she enjoys a long 4–5 mile walk every morning—her favorite part of the day—and she’s not shy about letting us know when it’s time to eat or head outside. She’s protective, affectionate, and loves being close to us, whether that means asking for pets, sleeping on the bed, or soaking up the sun in the afternoon.
Adopting an adult dog was new for us, and at first she was nervous around new people, other dogs, and loud noises. With time, patience, and lots of love, she truly relaxed and gained confidence. While she still has plenty to say when the mailman arrives, she’s come so far and is now a beloved, full member of our family. Our advice to others: take it slow, give them grace, and trust the process—it’s absolutely worth it.”
— Lola’s Family
Ronan
Ronan came to us as a stray in August 2023, and we all fell in love with him. We characterized Ronan as a happy-go-lucky goofy little guy. He was stoked on playing with tennis balls and hanging with the caretakers in the yard. We were so excited when he met his forever family!
“We can’t thank PAWS of Coronado enough for introducing us to Ronan. He’s easily become our best friend and our forever companion. We cannot wait to give him the life he deserves!”
— Ronan’s Family
Arthur
He is happy in his new home and has brought us so much joy. Our older shelter dog, who has been with us for 11 years, still firmly insists on being the queen of the castle. Arthur has a funny habit of rubbing his head on the carpet while growling and occasionally barking, which never fails to make us laugh. He loves his special bed in our bedroom, and the highlights of his day are his twice-daily walks. Arthur is also wonderful when traveling, whether by car or airplane, calmly lying in the footwell. We are deeply grateful to SD Humane Society and PAWS for enriching our lives with this amazing addition to our family.
— Arthur’s Family
Bruce and Clark
Clark and Bruce, previously known as Squash and Croissant, arrived at our facility in November 2022 as young kittens. After some much-needed TLC in foster care, Clark and Bruce were adopted in early February.
We are overjoyed to have the boys in our lives and provide them with a forever home. They both live up to their namesakes. Clark likes to bolt at full speed across the house and use his keen sense of smell whenever he detects a new scent. Bruce will spring from the shadows and corners, catching us by surprise. They are absolutely best friends. They have an incredible sense of shared curiosity, boundless energy, and they love to relax together. Clark loves to play and Bruce loves belly rubs. We look forward to many years of happiness with them.
— Clarks & Brunce’s Family
Mocha
Mocha arrived at our facility in early November 2021 after she was found wandering around the streets of Coronado. Mocha had to wait very patiently for her adoption journey to start, as she was in critical condition and needed some extra support.
“Mocha is simply the best dog we could have asked for and the perfect fit with our family. She was timid at first and it’s been an honor watching her blossom in the few months we’ve had her. She now loves going on walks, playing in our yard, cuddles on the couch, short and long car rides, and trips to the beach. While our young kids are high energy, she handles them with grace and gentleness, checking in on them when they are upset or sleeping by their doors at night. She’s been the perfect work-from-home buddy and a great playmate for our kids – our whole family has been thriving with her addition to our pack.”
— Ronan’s Family
CocoPuff
CocoPuff is here to kick off our first ever Guinea Pig WHW! CocoPuff, previously known as Cocoa, was adopted just a few weeks ago. She’s been spending lots of quality time bonding with her Guinea Pig sister and her awesome forever family!
“Cocoa, who is now CocoPuff, joins our family. Her new big sister, Ana the guinea pig, is happy to have a friend again! She has a doggie big brother Hank, and two human siblings , Hadley (6) and Dempsey (1). We are happy to have CocoPuff, we’re sure she’ll be loved on and have a great life here!”
— CocoPuff’s Family
Brandy
Brandy brings us back to November of 2017 when she was first brought to our facility as a stray. She was adopted just a few days before Christmas Day of that same year. Brandy has spent the past 4 years living an incredible life with her loving forever family, and we couldn’t be happier for her!
“Brandy came into our lives four years ago at Christmas when her dad Pete saw her in the “Adopt-a-Pet” section of the Coronado news. Since then, she has become the center of our family. Brandy’s perfect day would consist of a long walk – preferably to the park, sunbathing, dog bed time, lots of pets & treats and a “puppy patty” from In-n-Out.”
— Brandy’s Family
