Balooja's Foundation: Where Second Chances Save Lives

By: Jessica Susolik

In Southern California's overcrowded shelter system, one small rescue organization is making an outsized impact on the most vulnerable dogs. Balooja's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving abused and unwanted animals from euthanasia, specializes in cases others cannot handle—dogs with special medical needs, handicapped animals, pregnant dogs, seniors and those facing expensive surgical bills.

A Mission Born from Compassion

Founded and led by Sal Valdepena, Balooja's Foundation operates on a simple but powerful principle: every dog deserves a chance at happiness, especially those with special needs who are often overlooked. Despite working full-time in the medical field, Sal dedicates evenings and weekends to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming hundreds of dogs across Southern California.

"He is the most lovely man," says Karen Odell-Barber, a Newport Beach resident who has worked with the foundation for years. "He spends countless hours picking up dumped dogs in the desert and by the side of the road and takes on the most wretched medical dogs. These are dogs that have $6,000 surgical bills and no other rescue will step up. Sal and his volunteers figure out how to pool resources to take a puppy with a cleft palate from death's door to a loving home."

Revolutionary Foster-to-Adopt Model

What sets Balooja's Foundation apart is its innovative foster-to-adopt approach. Every placement comes with a two-week trial period where families can return the dog if it's not the right match, with no questions asked. This removes the pressure that often prevents families from pet adoption.

The foundation's commitment extends far beyond initial placement. They require a lifetime promise: if circumstances change at any point in the dog's life, the animal must return to Balooja's Foundation rather than risk ending up in a shelter. This policy ensures that once a dog is rescued, it never re-enters the shelter system.

Dedicated Volunteers and Strategic Partnerships

The foundation operates through passionate volunteers who handle everything from emergency transport to specialized care. Jer Edelman, a San Diego business owner, exemplifies this dedication. When emergency calls come in—"There's a dog that needs transport. If we don't get there in three hours, this dog is dead"—she's immediately in the car.

This volunteer network enables the foundation to take on cases that are impossible for other organizations, ranging from complex medical surgeries to round-the-clock care for newborn puppies.

Balooja's Foundation has also developed partnerships that multiply their impact across state lines. Working with Big Bones rescue and volunteer pilots, they transport large dogs from overcrowded Southern California shelters to Colorado families eagerly awaiting them.

"The big dogs sit in the shelters here and get euthanized," explains one volunteer. "Jer and Sal take on hundred-pound dogs with regularity, sending them to Colorado families waiting for that exact breed. It's amazing to watch them landing with families waiting at the airport."

Community Impact and Support

Sal's authentic storytelling on social media has created a nationwide following of supporters who contribute financially even if they can't foster or adopt. His transparent approach to sharing rescue stories has built the financial foundation necessary to take on the most expensive medical cases. The foundation's work has resonated strongly with Orange County communities. Brett Barber and other students at the Waldorf School of Orange County chose Balooja's Foundation for their Three Kings Day charitable giving project, organizing supply drives for rescued animals.

Medical Rescue Expertise

One of Balooja's Foundation's specialties is medical rescue—taking in dogs hit by cars, requiring expensive surgeries, or having complex health conditions. This expertise means they can save animals that other organizations might not have resources to help, from puppies born with cleft palates to senior dogs needing specialized ongoing care.

How to Support Balooja's Foundation

Adopt or Foster: The foundation specializes in senior dogs, special needs animals, and medical cases. All dogs come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Contributions:  through Zelle, PayPal and Charity Navigator, directly support medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

Volunteer: Opportunities include daily care, emergency transport, and administrative tasks.

Follow and Share: Support @Balooja's Foundation on Facebook or Instagram to help create awareness and funding for challenging cases.

For hundreds of dogs who have found their way from Southern California shelters to loving homes, Balooja's Foundation represents proof that every life matters and every animal deserves a second chance. The foundation offers hope through action, showing that passionate individuals can create systems that transform how communities think about pet adoption and animal welfare.

For more information, visit www.baloojasfoundation.com or contact the organization through their website and social media channels.