When Hope For Paws founder Eldad Hagar heard about a stray dog named Houdini in desperate need of rescue, he knew it wouldn’t be an easy mission.
Houdini, a dog who had roamed the Los Angeles port for two years, had become notorious for eluding capture.
While locals frequently left food for him and attempted to care for him from a distance, Houdini never allowed anyone close enough to help.
Living in a large and open port area provided Houdini with plenty of places to hide. Even when Animal Control once caught him, he managed to escape again, earning his name by always finding a way out.
Hope For Paws decided they were up for the challenge and aimed to finally give Houdini the life he deserved.
The team initially set up a humane trap with a small group of rescuers. However, the cautious pup circled the trap suspiciously before quickly darting away.
Realizing they needed a new approach, the team partnered with Rescue From The Hart and returned the next day with seven people and a more strategic plan.
They installed temporary fencing and expansive soccer nets to block Houdini’s every escape route.
As expected, Houdini noticed the rescuers and took off with lightning speed, swiftly vanishing from sight. Unable to continue due to pouring rain, the team had to pause their efforts for the day.
On the third day, ten rescuers returned, determined to secure Houdini’s safety. Nearly as soon as they started, Houdini appeared as if to test their resolve, only to vanish just as suddenly.
But this time, the rescuers had laid more fencing and nets, ensuring there was no way out for him.
“There was just no way out of there,” explained Eldad Hagar, demonstrating the meticulous planning of the team. Spread across the port with nets in hand, each rescuer was poised to act swiftly should Houdini emerge.
Although the team understood his fear, they believed Houdini deserved a life filled with love and care.
Their patience paid off when Houdini reappeared. The team moved swiftly, and Hagar successfully managed to slip a leash around Houdini’s neck amidst his frightened struggle.
Another team member, Loreta, promptly tossed a net over him, finally securing the determined dog.
As they gently stroked his fur to help him relax, Hagar called on Mike, a security guard who’d been feeding Houdini for years. As Mike softly petted him, Houdini began to trust, accepting human touch peacefully for the first time in years.
Houdini was then taken to a shelter, where Hagar’s gentle touch soothed his fears, and the once-terrified stray began to lean into his rescuer with newfound comfort.
After his first bath, Houdini surprised everyone by showering Loreta with kisses, revealing a sweet demeanor previously masked by fear.
Assigned to Rescue From The Hart, Houdini soon found a loving foster home. Surrounded by caring people and friendly dogs, he started to thrive, relishing every bit of affection and warmth.
Soon after, a permanent family welcomed Houdini with open arms. They immediately showered him with love, and the formerly solitary port survivor settled into his new home, basking in trust and joy.
Houdini, who once eluded capture for so long, now enjoyed a life where he felt safe and loved.
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