Carlos Rosales and his dog, Leo, have been happily reunited after they were separated during a medical emergency. While Carlos spent weeks in the hospital receiving treatment, Leo was nearly put up for adoption—but thanks to the persistence of dedicated care workers, the pair are together again.
Carlos and Leo had been living in a homeless encampment in the San Francisco Bay Area for three months. A few weeks ago, the encampment was dispersed, and while Carlos was driving to keep an appointment for interim housing, he suddenly blacked out. During his transport to the hospital, he repeatedly said “Leo, Leo,” and staff initially assumed he was referring to a family member. When he clarified that Leo was his dog, they understood—but by then, Leo had already been taken to Animal Control and later transferred to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. Carlos had no idea whether Leo was alive, safe, or had been adopted out.
That’s when HomeFirst—a housing nonprofit—stepped in to help. They immediately began searching for Leo. Meanwhile, at the Humane Society, staff were treating Leo for some health issues. A worker recognized him from an outreach clinic for unhoused people and their pets and realized he wasn’t a stray. They connected the dots and located Carlos.
Carlos, who has had Leo for six years, was overwhelmed with relief when he learned Leo was safe. After weeks of uncertainty, the two are now living together in a bedroom home, and Carlos hopes to find work and secure permanent housing soon.
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