LA Animal Crisis
Los Angeles Animal Services is currently facing a crisis due to the overwhelming number of homeless and abandoned animals in the city. Shelters are often at capacity, struggling to provide care for the influx of strays and owner-surrendered pets. Factors such as overpopulation, lack of affordable spay and neuter programs, and insufficient public awareness about adoption contribute to the issue. Many dogs face euthanasia due to limited space and resources, especially larger breeds and older animals. The crisis underscores the need for community involvement, fostering, and adoption to reduce shelter overcrowding and give these animals a chance at a better life.
Big Dog Energy (BDE) is stepping in to make a difference. BDE is dedicated to supporting West LA Shelter dogs by providing funding for urgent medical care, behavioral training, and temporary boarding. These resources help prepare dogs for life outside the shelter and give them the best chance of finding a forever home. By focusing on these critical needs, BDE aims to ensure no dog is left behind.
Our Founders
Adelle
Dogs have been an integral part of Adelle Smener’s life for as long as she can remember. After earning her doctorate degree in physical therapy, Adelle adopted Rocco, a misunderstood dog from the West LA shelter who had been returned twice for behavioral issues. With time, patience, and unconditional love, Rocco blossomed into a happy, thriving companion. His transformation inspired Adelle’s passion for helping dogs who are often overlooked—the ones who need extra care, compassion, and a chance to succeed. Adelle’s volunteer work at the West LA shelter further solidified her commitment to keeping dogs out of shelters. For over 2.5 years, she has witnessed the heartbreaking realities of the animal crisis while tirelessly advocating for dogs in need. From networking urgent cases to collaborating with rescues, she has helped countless dogs find safety and love. This hands-on experience gave her a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional needs of rescue dogs and the challenges faced by adopters. With a professional background in physical therapy and a heart deeply rooted in animal rescue, Adelle’s mission is simple but powerful: to keep dogs in loving homes and out of shelters.
Andrea
Andrea grew up in the tight-knit spaces of Queens, NY, where having a dog of her own wasn’t possible. That didn’t stop her from connecting with pups—whether it was dog-sitting for friends, walking dogs, or volunteering. After moving to Los Angeles, Andrea met her partner and his dog Bruce, a Doberman who had been abandoned and tied to a pole in a Southern California neighborhood. Being a part of Bruce’s journey through such hardship inspired Andrea.. Loving him showed her not only the depths of her own compassion but also the urgent need to help rescue dogs who, like Bruce, had been let down by humans. When Andrea learned about the overwhelming animal crisis in LA, she knew she had to take action. She began volunteering at the West LA Animal Shelter, where she met countless incredible dogs waiting for homes that often never came. Fueled by her love for these pups and her passion for making a difference, Andrea is committed to working hard to ensure that every dog gets the opportunity to experience love, safety, and the warmth of a forever home.
Hannah
Hannah grew up with a host of rescue dogs from the Pasadena Humane Society which instilled in her a love of fostering and rescue dogs. She moved to New Orleans for 10 years and during that time worked with a number of local rescues to foster dogs (and a single cat that was adopted in record time of less than 24 hours) that had minor ailments from ringworm to major stressors such as trauma from hurricanes, until finally fostering Lily, a senior pit mix who she ended up adopting. She was able to foster some additional dogs in need with Lily, who was a true friend to all. She only had 4 short years with Lily, but it cemented in her a desire to help all dogs get out of the shelter (and helped her discover that senior dogs are the BEST).New Orleans and Los Angeles both suffer from overpopulation of dogs and cats, and after moving back to Los Angeles in 2023 she decided to give back and get involved by volunteering at the West LA Animal Shelter, since she was not yet ready for another furry companion.
Big Dog Energy:
Giving Every Dog the Chance to Thrive
Foundation Tax ID: 33-1778556
