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Smile File

Looking for a little joy? Check out our Smile File, a collection of inspirational stories and updates that are sure to put a smile on your face.

A smiling white dog with black spots stands on a concrete surface. The dog is wearing a harness and looking directly at the camera, showcasing its happy expression. In the background are blurred legs of a person wearing blue shoes.

Want to add a story to our Smile File? We’d love to hear from you!

Smile File Stories

Kristi and Chris’s Joybound Love Story

May 14, 2025

From First Date to Forever “There are so many different opportunities to try — potty walks, trail walks, puppy socials… The best motivation is the dogs!” Who knew a “Yappy Hour” could lead to happily ever after? That’s exactly what happened when Chris, a long-term Joybound volunteer matched with Kristi on an online dating app…
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Cinder’s Second Chance

May 3, 2025

A Rescue Dog Finds Love After Surviving the Los Angeles Fires “Sometimes the perfect dog comes into your life when you least expect it, bringing healing and joy when you need it most.” Sometimes, the perfect dog comes into your life when you least expect it, bringing healing and joy when you need it most.…
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The Unexpected Joys of Fostering

April 25, 2025

A Journey of Trust and Playfulness Not all foster stories end in adoption, but when Bowie strutted into his foster mom’s life, it was game over. Goofy, confident, and full of sass, Bowie knew he was home — even if she didn’t realize it right away. Fresh from a life-changing divorce and preparing for surgery,…
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Meet Joybound’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year

April 23, 2025

Doris has Been Caring for Animals (and Humans) for More Than 15 Years If there’s one thing Doris Hasegawa knows, it’s that dogs and joy go hand in hand—and she’s been spreading that joy at Joybound for over 15 years! With such dedication to service, we wanted to find out more about this incredible lady.…
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A New Playground for Pups

April 11, 2025

Solo’s Play Yard is Now Open! Imagine a place where adoptable dogs can run, jump, and be their playful selves — well, that place is Solo’s Play Yard. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, on December 10, 2024, Joybound unveiled a brand-new outdoor space designed to give our adoptable dogs the freedom to run, leap,…
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The Evolution of Shelter to Service

March 31, 2025

Expanding Veterans’ Support with Streamlined Training and Lasting Bonds Incredible things happen when you take a bold step toward inclusivity. That’s exactly what Joybound’s Shelter to Service program did last year when it expanded its reach to include those facing mental health challenges in addition to Veterans. Now, first responders, survivors of violent crimes, and…
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Helping Shelter Animals During the Palisades Fire

March 2, 2025

Joybound’s Life-Saving Rescue Runs On January 13, 2025, Joybound jumped into action to help animals in desperate need. With the Palisades fire sweeping through Los Angeles County, shelters were overwhelmed and struggling to keep up with the influx of displaced pets. So, when Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control called us for help, we…
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Wishing You Love, PAWS, & Joy This Holiday Season

December 12, 2024

This holiday season, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the incredible support of our wonderful Joybound community. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to provide love, care, and second chances to so many deserving dogs, cats, and pet guardians this year. Whether you donated, volunteered, adopted, or simply shared our mission, you’ve made…
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2024 End of Year Video

December 12, 2024

Every December, we like to recap the past year in the form of a fun music video. In 2024, your support changed lives, connected hearts, and spread joy. This included: Please enjoy some of the happy faces you saved, the people you touched, and the milestones you helped us reach, set to the tune of…
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Jeff and Maddie Are Better Together

October 31, 2024

Joybound’s Shelter to Service training program (formerly Pets and Vets) heals and enriches lives far beyond those of the people and shelter dogs participating. Family and friends witness and also benefit from the joyful transformation. “My wife used to say she didn’t know which version of me would wake up in the morning,” says Jeff.…
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From Passion to Profession

October 2, 2024

How James Tran Turned his Love for Dogs into a Thriving Career By Bernie Machado, Director of Joybound’s Grooming Academy & Services M eet James Tran, an exceptional graduate of Joybound Grooming Academy’s inaugural class. Despite facing significant obstacles, his dedication to transforming his life through grooming is inspiring. His journey began when his Workforce…
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Joybound’s Northern California’s Park Fire Rescue

September 20, 2024

From Fire to Forever Families Picture this: Joybound’s disaster relief team racing to assist a partner shelter impacted by Northern California’s Park Fire this summer. Sending a caravan of vehicles to Red Bluff, CA, we returned from Tehama County Animal Services with 42 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens who were looking for forever homes –…
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