She Failed as a Mom—But Rioja Could Be Perfect for You: The Dog Waiting for a Miracle Home
Sylvie Belmond 
(CLAIR | Ventura County, CA) — Rioja was so stressed and shut down that she couldn’t care for her own puppies.
The 3-year-old Belgian Malinois had just arrived at Ventura County Animal Services with a litter of eight. Shelter staff placed them in a foster home, hoping to give the young mom and her babies a safe place to settle. But Rioja’s anxiety ran deep. Despite the foster family’s best efforts, she eventually rejected her puppies. They had to be separated.
The puppies have all since been adopted. Rioja is still waiting.
Back at the shelter, she spent the first few weeks withdrawn—barking from her kennel or curling into a corner. Walking on a leash was difficult. Her future was uncertain.
But staff and volunteers didn’t give up on her.
With time and patience, Rioja began to trust again. She now takes treats gently, walks on leash, and is learning to sit. They’re small milestones, but for her, they mean everything.
She’s been kenneled with another dog without issue and could do well with a calm, confident canine companion to help guide her. Shelter staff say she’s ready for a patient, experienced home—or a rescue group—where she can continue to heal.
Malinois like Rioja are known for their intelligence, drive, and loyalty. They’re working dogs who thrive with structure, activity, and purpose—not boredom or isolation. With the right person or family, they make fiercely devoted companions.
Rioja could be the perfect match for someone active, a security professional looking for a partner, or even a nonprofit that trains dogs for search and rescue or detection. She has the heart and the energy. She just needs the chance.
If that could be you, visit Ventura County Animal Services or email [email protected] with “Rioja A868837” in the subject line.
You can also watch her progress in a video shared by Ventura County Animal Services on Facebook—see her carefully accepting treats from a volunteer, her eyes brighter now, curious and full of hope.
Shelter Update
In the latest Director’s Message (Nov. 6), Ventura County Animal Services reported 103 adoptions, 30 reunions with pet owners, and 7 transfers to rescue groups over the past week. Staff celebrated the adoption of five dogs who had been in care for more than 100 days.
The shelter currently houses 264 animals and encourages residents to keep pet ID tags updated and reclaim lost pets promptly.
VCAS is actively seeking fosters—especially for large dogs—and all adoption fees are waived through the end of 2025. (A $25 license fee still applies for Ventura County residents.)
Visit Ventura County Animal Services
Camarillo Shelter
600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 1–6 p.m.
Simi Valley Shelter
670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
View adoptable pets at vcas.us/pets. From dogs and cats to rabbits and reptiles, dozens of animals are ready to go home today.
“Why not give an animal a home for the holidays and beyond?” said Director Esteban Rodriguez.
