The Unexpected Journey of Orphan Annie: Found, Fostered, & Rescued
Some stories start with a mystery. This one begins with a couple, a dog, and a decision that changed everything.
Steve and Tammy didn’t plan on rescuing a dog that day. But when Steve spotted a German Shorthaired Pointer running down Alessandro—a busy street in Riverside—he didn’t hesitate. He pulled over, spread his arms and his heart, and helped save the frightened dog from what could have been a disastrous outcome. Later, he and Tammy gave her the name Annie. Little Orphan Annie.
Steve could have easily driven by and called Animal Control. Once he had Annie safely in his car, he could have taken her to and dropped her off at the shelter. He didn't. He felt Annie deserved better. Later, when he and Tammy visited the shelter to register her as “found,” they saw firsthand just how overcrowded it was—kennels packed with three, four, even five dogs. That’s when they realized they didn’t have it in them to leave her behind in a place like that. Because deep down, they knew what happens to dogs like Annie in crowded shelters—dogs who are scared, overlooked, or simply out of time.
Instead, Steve and Tammy fostered Annie in their home.
What followed was a determined and heartfelt effort to unravel Annie’s past. A veterinarian found a microchip, but it appeared to be unregistered. Tammy didn’t stop there—she searched online and found a "found dog" post for Annie. That’s when she connected with someone who had also found Annie and had returned her to the person listed on the chip. Only hours after the reunion, Annie would be back on the streets, dashing through traffic, frightened and alone. That's when Steve stepped in, found, and caught her. Later, the shelter would attempt to contact the listed owner several times. No one responded. No one came.
Annie was in a tough place, feeling alone, heartbroken, and confused. She found comfort with Steve and Tammy. They gave her safety, warmth, and love as she waited for her hold to be up and her turn at California GSP Rescue. Annie didn’t just survive—she flourished. She settled into her temporary home like she had always belonged.
She is housetrained, polite, and knows how to use a doggy door. She sleeps in a crate (with the door open now), walks beautifully on a leash, and has a surprisingly calm demeanor for a GSP. While most young GSP’s require multiple runs a day, Annie is perfectly content lounging on a soft bed or taking a leisurely walk. She’s shown kindness toward the younger dogs in her foster home, even if she gives a little warning growl when they get too close to where she is napping.
Tammy and Steve would have gladly kept her, but with three dogs of their own—one of whom preferred hiding from Annie rather than engaging her - it just wasn’t the right fit for forever.
But they were the right fit when Annie needed them most.
California GSP Rescue is proud to continue the next chapter of Annie’s story. She’s safe, loved, and waiting for a home where her gentle soul will be cherished.
Annie’s journey reflects what Rescue is all about: stepping in when others step away—helping others who have a strong desire to help but may not be equipped to do so in the long term. It also reflects the urgent need facing shelters and rescues. At animal shelters, dogs like Annie are arriving faster than they can be placed. Euthanasia rates are rising—not because the dogs are broken, but because there simply aren’t enough homes or rescues.
Watch Annie’s story. Please share it with someone. Please spread the word that dogs like Annie need us now more than ever. Watch Orphan Annie’s Video
Want to help? Become a Rescue Hero and support our mission with a monthly gift. Or apply to adopt and give Annie a forever home she’s waited for.
Together, we can write a better ending for dogs like Orphan Annie.
