UPDATE: It is with sorrow to report that Darla passed away. She was very sick. Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers.
Carson, Calif. – An 8-year-old, female Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as a French Mastiff, was dumped by her family at a Los Angeles shelter in Carson, Calif., on April 23. Her name: Darla.
- Darla’s intake photo (Source: LAAS)
- Darla in her shelter run (Source: Saving Carson Shelter Dogs)
The rescue community became aware of the abandoned girl via a facebook post by Saving Carson Shelter Dogs. Far from being “armchair dog rescuers,” the ladies who run the page (the “Carson Ladies”) physically visit the shelter on almost a daily basis, capture on film the forlorn critters in need, and post them on social media with a plea and pertinent information on each animal.
Such was the case when they came upon Darla. The Carson Ladies took video footage of the her laying on a cot in her run. She appeared to be relaxed, but upon closer inspection, she looked defeated, was trembling in fear, and likely wondering, “What is this place? Why the smell of panic and despair? Where is my family?”
The post about Darla read:
DARLA is a sweet, gentle soul, about 8 years old and she looks neglected and heartbroken. She needs some help fast, the Shelter is Full! Please SHARE for her life, she’s SUCH a beauty and a FOSTER or ADOPTER would save her. Thanks!
The rescue community – the bridge between life and death for many homeless animals – went to work. Animal rescuers networked, shared, sent out emails, posted on social media, and even contacted specific rescues.
One of the rescue organizations contacted was Dogue de Bordeaux Rescue, Inc. According to a post on DDB Rescue’s facebook page, they had received numerous messages about Darla. DDB Rescue – an important unit in the bridge towards life – put a CTA on her. Once the required hold period elapsed, they could pull her from the shelter. That day was today – Darla’s lucky day. DDB Rescue picked her up and took her straight to the vet.
Like most rescues, funds are needed for Darla’s vet care. Anyone who can contribute is asked to donate through DDB Rescue’s website, or by PayPal at donations@ddbrescue.org.
Have a wonderful life, Darla!

Source: Erica Hong
Thank you rescue community and DDB!!
Donated and happy to see her with the people I know who will take care of her❤️
Thank you so much, Lauren! I know DDB Rescue certainly needs it.
I’m glad she was rescued but I saw yesterday that she was being adopted, is this true????
Hi, Tracy. That is incorrect. The rescue took her to the vet and she was with a foster. However, she passed away. She was very sick. :'( Thank you for caring.
She passed away? That’s so sad!
Yes. It’s tragic.
I have read she was PTS because she was full of cancer…Is this true? Thank you for getting her out of there, to know love if even for a moment…
Yes, she was very sick. It is in my post. I don’t think it was cancer; however. I believe it was a massive infection and kidney failure. Thank you for caring.