Realango is Safe - Rescued 8/25/25

Sometimes the rescues that take the longest become the ones that touch us the deepest.

Last week, Sharon, Joyce, and our team were contacted by a wonderful family in Simpsonville, South Carolina who had been trying for six long months to help a beautiful black Lab mix survive off the streets. They had already reached out to animal control, but despite multiple attempts, Realango remained just out of reach. Because of his size and skittish nature, they were referred to Anakin’s Trails, where we have specialized traps designed for large dogs.

This family never gave up.

Every single day, the caretaker brought Realango food, a toy, and love — even if she could never touch him. She developed a routine: a gentle whistle, a warm meal, and a familiar presence. Realango would come close, grab his toy, return it to his den, then come back for what she lovingly called his “farmer’s fresh” dinner.

He was homeless… but not forgotten.

While our team searched for placement, pledges poured in from compassionate supporters. Finally, Mercy Rescue Haven stepped up and committed to taking Realango. That was the moment we had all been waiting for.

It was time to trap.

Sharon and her husband arrived to set the trap, preparing for the day Realango’s life would finally change. For weeks, we watched him on camera sitting quietly in the woods — a dog who seemed to be waiting for something he didn’t know how to find: a home, a family, a hug, a future.

When confirmation came that a foster was ready, the trap was set and Sharon waited nearby with the caretaker.

Only 11 minutes later, Realango walked into the trap.

Sharon had just stepped away and didn’t even realize what was happening. A frantic phone call sent her running back, where she found a scared 70-pound pup unsure of what had just happened. Sharon sat beside the trap and began speaking softly to him.

And just like that…

He relaxed.

He listened.

He trusted.

Realango knew he was safe.

Soon Beth arrived, and together with the caretaker, they carefully retrieved the trap. Before loading him up, Realango offered what he had probably never been able to give freely before — hugs and kisses.

No more sleeping in the woods.No more running.No more wondering where your next meal will come from.

Realango, you are loved. You are safe. And your forever story is just beginning.

Anakin’s Trails is a stray and pet recovery organization dedicated to locating, trapping, and recovering lost and homeless animals so pets can be reunited with their families and strays find loving forever homes.

No more roaming the woods off West Georgia Road, Realango. You have a whole village behind you. ❤️🐾