Maria Christina Sanchez, a long-time rescue advocate of shelter animals – particularly those at the high-kill San Bernardino City Shelter (“SBC pound”) – captured on video a little Chihuahua literally balancing on the tip-top of Cell No. 121 in the hopes of breaking out of what City Attorney James Penman likened to “doggy Auschwitz.”

Sanchez has faced many obstacles dealing with the SBC pound; but, that hasn’t stop her from speaking out about what she has witnessed in her years visiting the facility, documenting animals in need and posting them on social media to help save their lives. Sanchez has even been arrested for criminal trespass. Yet, her focus has never wavered; her resolve, always clear: Save as many animals as she can from the SBC pound.

While visiting the SBC pound on Aug. 27, Sanchez and another volunteer spotted a 9-year-old Chihuahua, named Flower, desperately trying to “break out of that joint.” Sanchez documented the event, while another volunteer climbed over to the side to pluck Flower off the top of the tall run-enclosure.

Flower attempting to escape his run at the SBC pound (© Maria Sanchez)

Sanchez posted Flower with the following description:

I am a female, tan and white Chihuahua – Smooth Coated mix. Shelter staff think I am about 9 years old. I have been at the shelter since Aug 23, 2016.

For more information about this animal, call: San Bernardino City Animal Control at (909) 384-1304 for information about animal ID number A497040

Since her posting of the video, it has been shared over 5,300 times as of this writing. The good news is that Flower’s dogged determination (no pun intended) got her rescued today, the same day she became available.

Although Sanchez was happy to share the good news, she emphasizes that there are so many more animals who need to get out of that facility. Anyone interested in adding a furry pet to their families are asked to look through the albums created by Sanchez and Lois Chisholm, another animal rescue advocate. Click on their names to look through their albums.

To inquire about any pet, Sanchez asks that you call the SBC pound directly at (909) 384-1304.