From Scrolling to Saving: A Life-Changing Decision
Canadian Woman Rescues a Texas shelter dog after a sleepless night on June 6. Karen Levenson began scrolling through social media when she came across a post on X (formerly Twitter) about Raya, a 1-year-old pit bull/Labrador mix set to be euthanized in just three days at Corpus Christi Animal Care Services (ACS).
Though she lives in Ontario, Canada—thousands of miles from Texas—Levenson felt an undeniable pull. Something about Raya’s photo and story resonated deeply with her.
A Personal Mission Born from Compassion
Levenson isn’t new to animal advocacy. Having survived a history of abuse, she has dedicated much of her life to helping neglected animals. She regularly receives messages about animals in need, but she felt an urgent call to act this time.
Raya’s backstory made it even more heartbreaking. Abandoned in a backyard alongside another dog, the young pup had already endured unimaginable neglect. And now, she was days away from death—through no fault of her own.
“I decided I would need to be the one to save her,” Levenson explained during a phone interview. “I don’t have much money but wanted to save a life.”
Facing the Odds: A Rescue Across Borders
Levenson sprang into action, contacting dozens of animal shelters across Texas. Unfortunately, every single one was overwhelmed with animals and unable to help.
Undeterred, she boldly decided to adopt Raya herself and arrange for her safe passage to Canada. On June 16, she officially adopted Raya and hired a pet transportation company to assist with the journey. Two days later, on June 18, the pair met for the first time in New York, where they began bonding before traveling home.
According to Corpus Christi Animal Care Services officials, this may be the first time an international adopter has rescued a dog from their shelter. It’s a milestone for the shelter and a symbol of how powerful compassion can be—even across borders.
The Shelter’s Struggle: Overcrowding and Unwanted Pets
In a statement, ACS highlighted the challenges they face. Many animals they take in are strays, abandoned, or surrendered by previous owners. It’s not uncommon for pets to arrive with injuries, malnutrition, or other health problems.
“By adopting a pet from ACS, residents not only provide these animals with a permanent home but also offer them a loving environment and a second chance at a brighter future,” the department shared. “Adopting a pet from a shelter can be a rewarding experience, benefiting both the animal and the new owner.”
The $25 adoption fee covers vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping—making it an affordable way to save a life.
A New Chapter for Raya and Karen
For Levenson, the experience wasn’t about recognition—it was about giving dogs like Raya a fighting chance. Canadian woman rescues a shelter dog not for praise, but to shine a light on the urgent need for adoption. “There’s so much cruelty in this world,” she said. “This isn’t about me; it’s about animals in need. These dogs in shelters are desperate for homes.”
She hopes Raya’s journey will inspire others to adopt. “They’re good dogs. They’re not in a shelter because they’re bad; they just can’t be adopted. They need to be loved.”
How You Can Help
If you feel inspired by Levenson’s story and want to make a difference, Corpus Christi Animal Care Services is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. The shelter is at 2626 Holly Road, and anyone 18 and older with a valid ID can adopt.
You can learn more about available pets and adoption procedures by visiting bit.ly/ACSadopt.