Ace of Hearts Rescues Dogs on Death Row

They take dogs off death row and find them a new hope. Ace of Hearts, a 501© (3) rescue organization is dedicated to rescuing dogs the day they are to be euthanized from various Los Angeles, CA shelters and place them in homes. In the greater Los Angeles County shelters alone an average of 475 pets are put to sleep daily.

The agency's adoption days are normally held every Saturday at Petco in West Hollywood at 508 N. Doheny on the southeast corner of Doheny and Santa Monica Boulevard from 1-4 p.m. Ace of Hearts does show dogs on the weekends that are not at Petco after the interested party has filled out the online application by appointment only.

Ace of Hearts was named after Ace, a dog rescued by Kari Whitman, a Beverly Hills interior designer who founded the non-profit. The organization is spreading the word that it's critical to spay or neuter your pets because there aren't enough homes for them. Whitman and her group also try to educate people about how to be responsible.

Whitman said young people starting out now seem eager for dogs in their life. She said as a designer she sees canines that live the Hollywood high life. To date, Ace of Hearts has saved more than 700 dogs according to staff.  Dogs available for adoption are listed on petfinder.com.

The dog is delivered to the new owner once a compatible match is made. There is a contractual agreement between the agency and the dog's new family. Ace of Hearts will sometimes consider out of area adoption placements. A local rescue group or previous adopter would then do a home check. If approved the new owner would be required to travel to L.A. to meet the dog.

The agency also has foster homes for dogs and they pay for the food and medical expenses while looking for a permanent home. The average time an animal is fostered is several weeks although it could be as little as a few days or as much as a few months. All deductions are tax deductible and right now the agency is especially collecting funds to pay for a puppy's surgery. Ivy, a Staffordshire mix has two broken legs and is a happy-go-lucky dog, according to Ace of Hearts.