Tracking Lost and Abandoned Dogs

PawVerbs Foothills Volunteer Dog Rescue shares information on active and past rescue missions to help keep the community informed. Browse current developments, view updates, and explore stories that highlight the impact of volunteer-led rescue missions throughout the Yuma Foothills area.

Active Rescues

As of 7/23/2026, we currently have no active Rescue Missions in progress. Please contact us if you need information on a Rescue Mission. We are here to help!

Text: 928-235-6144

Past Rescues

Dog Name: “Solar ” (Nickname we gave this pup for rescue mission tracking… After rescue, we learned his real name is REMY)

Details: RESCUE MISSION START DATE: 7/21/2026. This pup apparently got free from his leash because he was wearing a pink harness. We had sightings near 50th & Hunter, as well as the adjacent solar field off of Hunter Ave. (West of Foothills Blvd). We posted on our Facebook page, and we posted flyers in the area near 50th & Hunter, and the solar fields.

On Wednesday, 7/22/2026, at 4:30 pm, Scott, a Foothills Utilities employee, spotted this lost dog in some bushes by his work building. He recognized “Solar” from the Pawverbs Foothills Facebook page, and he called the rescue number on the flyer. Animal Control was also notified, and we all met at the Foothills utility office on Foothills Blvd, and we assisted two outstanding AC Officers in successfully rescuing this dehydrated and exhausted lost dog. (Note: It was over 105° when we rescued him). He was chipped, and his real name is Remy. He was a twice-adopted dog from the Humane Society (HOSY). The HSOY is handling the return of Remy.

Dog Name: “BUD” (Nickname we gave this pup… Actual name is Colby)

Details: RESCUE MISSION START DATE: 7/12/2026. The community in the area of N Foothills Blvd & S. Ave 14E reported several sightings of “Bud” wandering in the desert by the wash area. We were able to locate Max & Amanda on 31st Pl, who reported seeing Bud in their front yard, as well as in the wash in the back of their yard. They are nature and wildlife lovers, and they have set up dedicated watering holes for wildlife in the harsh desert environment by the wash. On Sunday, July 12th, we launched our Rescue Mission after getting confirmed sighting details from Max & Amanda, and they graciously allowed us to set up a humane trap on their front porch.

The trap was effective: Bud was captured and rescued at 2:00 am on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026. Bud was microchipped, and Yuma County Animal Control took custody of him. They are attempting to locate the owner. He is in good shape, and he responds to basic commands. He is very friendly too! We estimate that he is about one-year old. NOTE: His microchip identified him as “Colby”.

Dog Name: “JET” (Nickname we gave this pup…)

Details: RESCUE MISSION START DATE: 7/2/2026. The community in the area of 40th & Foothills Blvd reported several sightings of “Jet” wandering their neighborhood searching for food and water. We launched our Rescue Mission after interviewing the residents and scouting the neighborhood.

We successfully rescued “Jet” on Sunday, 7/5/2026, in the neighborhood off 40th St & Foothills Blvd, exactly where we focused our rescue mission efforts. Thanks to the local residents who were critical to this successful rescue by texting us active sightings with photos and location.

Unfortunately, the owner is apparently not willing to claim “Jet” at the HSOY (Humane Society of Yuma). So sad, because he is truly a great dog! He is very friendly, and he did well with my 3 other dogs at my home. He responds to commands (“sit,” “stay,” “down”, etc) and he is potty-trained! I would adopt him, but I already have a rescue pup (Shaggy) and two other dogs.

Dog Name: “FRENCHIE” (Nickname we gave this pup…)

Details: “Frenchie” was rescued on June 8th, 2026. Pawverbs Foothills Volunteer Dog Rescue launched the rescue mission on June 3rd, 2026, after receiving a report of her being dumped in a yard in the Villa Chapparral neighborhood. We tracked her for several days over several miles, including a crossing of Interstate 8, by following the canal routes.

She was scanned for a chip, but unfortunately, we were unable to identify an owner. (Since she was literally dumped, we didn’t have much hope we would find a chip…). She was placed in a caring foster home, and she is available for adoption (as of July 4, 2026).

If you are interested in adopting Frenchie, please call this #: 928-235-6144

Dog Name: MOCHA

Details:

Introduction

Mocha, a beloved family dog, wandered the Yuma Foothills for three months before a dedicated rescue effort brought her home. This section outlines the actions taken by three local volunteers in partnership with Mocha’s owner and her family, highlighting the coordinated strategies and persistence that led to her successful recovery.

Launching the Rescue Mission

In early March, three local volunteers decided to help Mocha’s family undertake a rescue mission. The term “Rescue Mission” is used because the process involves much more than simply searching for a lost dog. The volunteers began by interviewing Mocha’s owner and family members, collecting recent photos and identifying information such as her pink collar, unique body language, and microchip. These details ensured everyone had accurate information about Mocha’s appearance and circumstances, setting the stage for a coordinated rescue mission.

Community Outreach and Search Efforts

The volunteer rescue team immediately designed and printed a “Finding Mocha” flier and distributed it throughout the neighborhood where she escaped. A dedicated Finding  Mocha Facebook page was also created to broaden awareness and collect sighting reports. Early responses included a confirmed sighting validated by a critical photograph, placing Mocha in a neighborhood a couple of miles from her home. Volunteers posted fliers in this area and engaged with local residents to encourage them to report any sightings.

As confirmed reports accumulated, the team set up a humane trap in the neighborhood. However, after several days without activity, new “Possible Sighting” reports emerged from a neighborhood closer to Mocha’s home. Volunteers responded by setting a second trap, distributing fliers, and posting updates on the Facebook page. Despite these efforts, Mocha remained elusive, and there were no sightings for over a week. It is important to note that “Possible Sightings” lacked photo evidence or specific details, such as the pink collar.

Adjusting Search Strategies

After a week without progress, several confirmed sighting reports surfaced from a neighborhood across a freeway from the original search area. Recognizing the significance of these reports, the team closely monitored new sighting activity. Fliers were posted and distributed, and whenever a recent sighting was reported via text, volunteers responded promptly—not to chase Mocha, but to observe and assess her condition. The team understood that chasing a dog in “Flight Mode” would not succeed. Despite diligent monitoring, Mocha was not seen directly by the volunteers, and the trail went cold once more.

An unconfirmed sighting, considered unlikely due to its distance, prompted another round of flier distribution and search efforts, but again, no additional reports surfaced.

Breakthrough and Rescue in Desert Oasis

After a month with no new sightings and hope fading, a confirmed report arrived from a neighborhood called Desert Oasis, several miles from Mocha’s home. Volunteers responded immediately by disseminating fliers and engaging with residents. Thanks to supportive neighbors, confirmed sightings began pouring in. Humane traps equipped with live video monitoring (Tactacam Reveal Pro trail cameras) were set up, and almost immediately, the team received photo and video alerts confirming Mocha’s presence.

Over about -10 days, trail cam activity provided valuable intelligence on Mocha’s habits and movements, helping the team determine her routine and pinpoint territory. Desert Oasis residents played a crucial role, reporting daily sightings and helping refine trap placement based on Mocha’s established patterns. Observations and reports from residents revealed that Mocha spent most days resting in shaded backyards to avoid the heat and then began foraging for food and water in the early evening within a one-square-block area. The team repeatedly observed Mocha at the traps, but she was “trap savvy,” likely due to prior trapping experience, which made capture challenging and frustrating.

After about 10 days of monitoring Mocha’s activities, a resident called on Friday, May 29^th to report Mocha resting in her backyard in a shaded area. One volunteer, nearby and resetting a trap literally about 100’ from the residence,  responded promptly. The resident, Rebecca, smartly secured her gates to prevent Mocha’s escape. She then ran to a nearby park to get the text number from a posted flier to notify us. Upon arrival, the volunteer rescuer found Mocha in extreme “Flight Mode,” sprinting back and forth and attempting to scale a six-foot brick fence. The volunteer attempted to coax Mocha with hot dogs, but she remained evasive. Yuma City Animal Control was called, and after 45 minutes, an awesome  AC officer arrived, who requested anonymity. (We always respect anonymity requests).  Using planned perimeter containment tactics and two nets, the AC Officer and the rescuer successfully captured Mocha. It was a challenge, as Mocha is very quick. The officer scanned her for a chip to confirm her identity. It was indeed Mocha! 

Mocha’s owner was contacted and reunited with her within an hour, bringing the rescue mission to a joyful conclusion.

Conclusion

The rescue mission’s success was the result of careful planning, community involvement, and persistent effort. The use of neighborhood outreach, social media, strategic trap placement, and real-time monitoring enabled the team to gather the intelligence needed for Mocha’s safe recovery. This structured approach demonstrates the importance of collaboration and adaptability in animal rescue operations.  We want to thank Yuma City Animal Control for responding and assisting us with Mocha’s successful rescue.  All Glory to God!

Dog Name: SHAGGY (Nickname we gave this pup…)

Details: “SHAGGY” was rescued on December 27th, 2025 after being lost or abandoned in the outlying desert areas of the Yuma Foothills for over 3 months. Pawverbs Foothills Volunteer Dog Rescue launched a rescue mission in November, 2025, and we received numerous, almost daily, confirmed sighting reports of her, which we used to strategically place humane traps and successfully rescue her on a street that is adjacent to the solar fields off Hunter Ave. We were able to track her daily movements from the Westwind RV Park (S. Frontage Rd & Ave 10E), to the residential neighborhood off County 14 and Foothills Blvd.

SHAGGY TODAY IN HER FOREVER HOME!