On July 15, 2025, in downtown Los Angeles, a security guard doing a routine patrol on an unbarricaded rooftop near Skid Row was stunned to find a two‑year‑old French bulldog, named Paris, abandoned inside a shopping cart perched at an unsafe height
The situation was alarming: without protective walls, Paris could have rolled off or suffered from prolonged heat exposure in the summer sun.
The Rescue Mission Begins
The guard quickly contacted Joey Tuccio, an animal rescuer with Starts With One Today, a Los Angeles‑based nonprofit working with pets in the unhoused community. Tuccio, together with Wild Horizon Rescue, which agreed to fund the veterinary care, carefully retrieved Paris from the dangerous ledge and got her safely down from the roof.
Paris was taken immediately for a veterinary exam. She was underweight, at about 20 pounds, exhibited signs of conjunctivitis, and had no microchip, indicating she had likely been abandoned. Vets began treatment right away, and she was placed into a foster home where her recovery could begin under supervision.
Last Tuesday 29th July, Tuccio posted on his instagram: ” The sweet Frenchie that was dumped in a shopping cart on top of a roof on Skid Row is doing so well at her foster ❤️❤️❤️ her conjunctivitis is being treated and she is so comfy.”
Slowly Learning to Trust Again
In her foster environment, Paris gradually opened up. According to Tuccio, she has made remarkable strides—gaining confidence, beginning to trust people again, and showing a resilient, affectionate nature despite past trauma. The rescuers fell in love with her gentle spirit and progress
A Forever Home Beckons in L.A.
Paris is now fully healthy and hopeful, searching for a permanent adopter in the Los Angeles area. Ideal candidates are those who live locally, don’t work long hours away from home, and are ready to spoil her with love and companionship. She is open to living with or without other dogs, as long as her new family can offer patience and gentle care
A Broader Message on Adoption
Beyond Paris’s individual story, Tuccio stresses a larger point: many people are tempted to buy from breeders, but countless dogs—especially French bulldogs—are already in shelters waiting for homes. He hopes Paris’s journey inspires people to consider adoption over purchasing, reminding everyone that fostering and adopting literally saves lives
This real‑life rescue narrative shows not only the challenges Paris faced but also the compassion and persistence of her rescuers. It’s a touching reminder that sometimes survival hinges on the kindness of a stranger—both on a rooftop in L.A. and beyond.
Accordong to the latest Instagram account @startswithonetoday, the organization posted that Paris is up for adoption and hopefully she will find a more loving family and home.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
