When Eldad Hagar, founder of Hope For Paws, heard about a stray dog named Houdini, he couldn’t have guessed just how tricky the rescue would turn out to be.
For two long years, Houdini roamed the Los Angeles port, surviving on scraps and kindness from locals who left food but could never get close. Every attempt to win his trust ended the same way, with Houdini slipping away before anyone could reach him.
The sprawling port was his playground of hiding spots, making him nearly impossible to catch. Even Animal Control managed to secure him once, only for Houdini to break free again.
Still, Hope For Paws refused to give up. Where others had struggled, they were determined to finally succeed and give Houdini the safe, loving life he had been missing.
A Rescue Like No Other
A team of four rescuers showed up at the port and set up a humane trap. Houdini approached cautiously, circled it, then darted away before they could make a move.
It was then that they realized a different strategy was needed.
The next day, Hope For Paws teamed up with Rescue From The Hart and returned with seven people and a new plan. They put up temporary fencing and stretched soccer nets across the port to block every possible escape route.
As soon as Houdini noticed them, he raced off with incredible speed. The team tried to keep up, but the elusive dog vanished again. When the rain started pouring, the rescuers had to leave for the day.
By day three, they were back with ten rescuers. All of them were committed to bringing Houdini to safety.
Houdini appeared almost immediately, seeming to challenge their efforts, then disappeared just as fast.
The team added even more fencing and nets, sealing off every possible path he could use.
“There was just no way out of there,” Hagar explained.
The rescuers spread out through the port, each one holding a net and ready to help close in. They knew Houdini was frightened, but they also knew he deserved a life filled with comfort and care.
When Houdini came into view again, they moved carefully but quickly.
Hagar managed to slip a leash around the dog’s neck while Houdini struggled in fear. Loreta swiftly tossed a net over him, and at long last, the team had him secured.
Learning What Safety Feels Like
The team gently stroked Houdini to help calm him down.
Hagar then brought over Mike, a security guard who had been feeding Houdini for two years.
As Mike softly petted him, Houdini’s body relaxed, and for the first time in years he accepted the gentle touch of a human being.
Houdini was taken to a shelter, where Hagar rubbed his belly until the fear in his eyes began to fade. The formerly terrified stray leaned into his rescuer’s shirt, finally enjoying the affection he had been missing for so long.
After his first bath, Loreta picked him up and held him close.
Houdini surprised everyone when he began covering her in kisses, revealing the sweet and loving dog that had been hiding behind layers of fear.
Houdini was placed under the care of Rescue From The Hart, who quickly found him a foster home. Surrounded by kind people and friendly dogs, he flourished, embracing every moment of attention and warmth.
Before long, the charming pup found his forever family. They immediately adored him, and Houdini settled into his new life with trust and joy. The dog who once survived alone at the port now had a home where he would always feel safe and loved.
