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DogPark Rescue's Founder, Lisa X Nguyen, sits on wooden steps outdoors next to a large, fluffy cream-colored dog on a leash. Lisa, dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, smiles warmly at the camera while holding the leash. The dog, sitting tall, also faces the camera with its tongue out. The rustic wooden background and surrounding greenery suggest a peaceful outdoor setting.

Animal Rehabilitation & Rescue Sanctuary

Where Paws Begin Again

Join us in rescuing abandoned and special-needs cats and dogs. Together, we can create a safe, loving future for animals who have nowhere else to go.

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A scenic view of DogPark Rescue's sanctuary featuring a red two-story building with white trim nestled among lush greenery and rolling hills. A paved driveway with parked cars leads up to the building, and a wooden fence borders the entrance. Surrounding trees and a bright, overcast sky create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere
A sleek gray cat with piercing green eyes lounges confidently in a circular scratcher bed at DogPark Rescue’s Animal Rehabilitation & Rescue Sanctuary. The cat rests its paw on the edge, enjoying the calm and safe indoor space designed for rescued animals

Animal Rescue,
Care, and a Lifetime
of Love

Support a mission that is simple but profound: to rescue and provide sanctuary to cats and dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, or face euthanasia. We dedicate our efforts to those animals that need a little extra love—those with medical needs or who have been overlooked. For those who may never find their forever homes, we become their forever family, ensuring they live out their days in a sanctuary full of kindness and safety.

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Stories of Hope and Healing

HazyBear

Meet HazyBear, a dog with deep, soulful eyes and a past that’s hard to forget. Once cherished, he was given up when his hip dysplasia made him “too much to handle”. Confused and heartbroken, HazyBear waited, wondering why the love he once had slipped away, leaving him behind in a world that suddenly felt cold and unfamiliar.

But at our sanctuary, HazyBear has found a second chance—a chance his previous owner couldn’t give him. Here, he’s learning that love doesn’t disappear because of a condition. With each gentle hand that reaches out to him & each night in a warm bed prepared just for him, he’s beginning to realize he’s truly home again. This time, it’s forever.

Georgie

Meet Georgie, a scruffy black cat with a wild coat and even wilder heart. No one knows quite where he came from, but he appeared on the edge of the sanctuary, keeping his distance, his eyes wide and wary. Georgia is a gentle, reserved spirit, slow to trust but curious in his own way. He often seeks refuge in the high trees, watching the world with cautious eyes, yet with time, he reveals a willingness to connect, offering glimpses of trust as he feels safe.
Despite his shy demeanor, Georgie never misses his meal times., Georgie never misses a meal. Like clockwork, every breakfast and dinner, he’s the first one waiting by the front door, sitting in silent expectation. He keeps his distance but never lets us forget he’s there, his watchful eyes peeking around the corner until his food is served.

Xena

Meet Xena, the Princess Cat, named for the bravery that shines through her fierce green eyes. Contrary to other cats that have come to us for help, Xena was the first to approach, stepping boldly out from the underbrush along Stoney Creek to greet us. Her quiet confidence and piercing gaze made it clear she was a guardian of this place.
From that first day, Xena made herself at home, returning each evening for a meal & keeping a watchful eye over the yard. Over time, we noticed Xena is an independent and loyal cat, whose protective nature earned her her name. While she occasionally leaves tokens of her adventures, a reflection of her strong hunting instincts, she’s also deeply affectionate and enjoys being around people. Her boldness in protecting those she cares for makes her a unique and devoted companion.
Today, Xena is more than just a resident; she’s a loyal companion and protector, a cat whose bravery and spirit remind us daily why she’s truly the Princess of our sanctuary.

The Faces of Compassion at DogPark Rescue

Every animal here is met with unwavering compassion and care, thanks to our incredible team. From our rescuers to our caretakers, each person plays a vital role in transforming lives.

Lisa X. Nguyen, founder of DogPark Rescue, sits on wooden steps outdoors beside a large cream-colored rescue dog on a colorful leash. Lisa is dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans, smiling warmly, while the dog sits tall with its tongue out, showcasing the bond between them in the peaceful outdoor setting of the Animal Rehabilitation & Rescue Sanctuary.

Lisa X. Nguyen

CEO Founder

Susan Melton, a team member of DogPark Rescue, smiles brightly while gently holding the face of an elderly white bulldog with light brown spots. Susan, wearing a denim shirt, poses with warmth and care, emphasizing the sanctuary's commitment to animal rehabilitation and rescue.

Susan Melton

Director

Karalyn Ramirez, a team member at DogPark Rescue, smiles while seated on wooden steps outdoors beside a pet carrier holding a black-and-white cat. Dressed casually in a graphic t-shirt and jeans, Karalyn gently rests a hand on the carrier, reflecting the organization’s dedication to animal rehabilitation and rescue

Karalyn Ramirez

Director

Jennifer Newton, a team member at DogPark Rescue, sits on wooden steps outdoors while holding a light brown rescue dog with floppy ears. Jennifer, dressed in a coral sweater, jeans, and brown boots, smiles warmly, emphasizing the sanctuary's caring environment for rescued animals.

Jennifer Newton

Director

Project & Program

Projects

Construction at our sanctuary is always ongoing as we work to create a safe haven for senior and large dogs. Right now, our project to build extensions is on hold due to city permits and budget constraints, but our commitment to these amazing animals never stops.

Join Our TNR Program!

TNR program (Trap-Neuter-Return) gives stray cats a chance to live healthier, happier lives while reducing overpopulation. Together, we can make a big difference for these precious little ones.


💛 Want to join our mission? We’d love to have you! Contact us to learn how you can help.

How Your Contributions Make a Difference

When you donate to DogPark Rescue, you’re helping in more ways than one. Your generosity covers food, medical care, and shelter improvements, ensuring every animal feels safe and loved. Each contribution fuels our mission and transforms lives.

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Animal Rehabilitation & Rescue Sanctuary

Adoption

Shelter

Hayward Animal
Shelter

16 Barnes Court
Hayward, CA 94544
(510) 293-7200

Shelter

Tri-City Animal
Shelter

1950 Stevenson Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94528
(510) 293-7200

Shelter

East Country Animal Shelter

4595 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 803-7040

Shelter

Peninsula Humane
Society & SPCA

1450 Rollins Rd
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 340-7022

Approved Partners

Veterinarian

South San
Jose Veterinary Clinic

520 Giuffrida Ave
San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 622-8599

Veterinarian

Paws of Pleasanton
Animal Hospital

3128 Santa Rita Road Suite B
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 380-1888
Dr Melisa Hardy

Veterinarian

Reed Animal

Hospital

12840 Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 647-2906

Boarding

RFRD
Academy

260 E Virginia Street
San Jose CA 95112
(916) 716-4346

Founder’s Statement:

As the Founder of Dog Park Rescue, my heart is dedicated to creating a place where animals in need can find safety, love, and a second chance. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words—“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to make a difference”—I strive to lead with compassion and purpose. Every action we take is driven by the belief that kindness can transform lives, and through this rescue, we aim to make a lasting difference for both animals and the community that cares for them. – Lisa X. Nguyen

FAQs
& Get Involved

1. What is DogPark
Rescue all about?

DogPark Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing neglected and abandoned cats and dogs. It’s a mission close to our hearts because every animal we save is given a second chance to feel safe, loved, & valued. What excites us most is seeing these animals transform from scared & vulnerable to joyful, trusting, & full of life.

Our vision goes beyond just rescuing; we want to create a compassionate community where each pet finds a forever home, and no animal has to suffer alone. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with other animal lovers who share this dream and to make a real difference, one life at a time. Every little step we take feels like a step toward a kinder world, and that’s what drives us forward each day.

One of the biggest challenges we face is funding. As a non-profit, we rely heavily on donations, grants, and fundraising to keep our rescue and sanctuary operations running smoothly. With more resources, we could expand our capacity, support more animals, and even invest in facilities to provide better care.


Another challenge is having enough hands on deck. Caring for neglected and abandoned animals, especially those with medical or behavioral needs, takes a dedicated team. Finding volunteers and staff who share our commitment can be difficult, but it’s so important for our growth.


Despite these obstacles, our passion keeps us moving forward. We believe that with continued community support, we’ll be able to overcome these challenges and make an even bigger impact.

Our long-term goals are rooted in creating lasting, positive change for animals and the community. For our non-profit, we envision expanding our rescue efforts to reach more neglected and abandoned pets, especially senior animals who are often overlooked. A key goal is to establish a sanctuary where these animals can live peacefully and receive lifelong care if they’re not adopted.


Beyond direct rescue, we hope to build a community network that encourages education, responsible pet ownership, and compassion. We also want to offer programs that connect people with animals in need, fostering healing for both. Ultimately, we’re working toward a future where every cat and dog has a safe place to call home and where our community is a model of kindness and respect for all creatures.

Reaching our goals would be a dream come true. It would mean that every animal who comes through our doors has the resources, space, and love they need to heal and thrive. Seeing these animals find joy again and connecting them with loving families would feel like a true victory.


Achieving our vision would also mean that we’ve built a supportive community around us—a network of people who care deeply about animal welfare and believe in making a difference. Knowing that we’ve created a sanctuary where neglected and abandoned pets are truly safe and valued would be a powerful reminder that compassion can change lives.


Ultimately, achieving these goals would mean turning hope into reality and leaving a legacy of kindness for animals and the people who care for them. It would be a profound honor to see our mission come to life and to know we’ve helped make the world a little gentler, one life at a time.

Adopting A Pet

Thank you for considering adopting a pet! Our process begins with you selecting an animal you’re interested in and completing our online application. Once that’s done, our staff will reach out to schedule a meet-and-greet. The meet-and-greet is an important step where you’ll get to know the animal and learn all about their personality, likes and dislikes, and any special care they may need. We’ll also share their medical history, feeding requirements, and any allergies or medications they require. This helps ensure you fully understand the animal’s needs before bringing them into your home.

After the meet-and-greet, applications are reviewed further. Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee placement, but it helps us ensure the best match for both you and the animal. Our goal is to set you and your new pet up for a happy, successful future together.

Thank you for supporting our rescue mission. Contact us for further details.

Contact Us

Donate Today and be the Hope They've Been Waiting For

By supporting Dog Park Rescue, you become a hero to those who need it most—the overlooked, the abandoned, and the ones with nowhere else to turn. Join us in making a lasting difference. Your kindness creates second chances and lifelong sanctuary.

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