Tanya Diable and her husband, Charlie, were driving home to Butler, Pennsylvania, from New York City. Joey, the couple’s newly adopted puppy and a victim of unthinkable cruelty, nestled between them. Tanya and Charlie mused on the generosity of the people instrumental in Joey’s rehab. Then, upon the scores of pet parents facing the prohibitive costs of prosthetics and other medical interventions for their special-needs dogs.

By the time Tanya, Charlie and Joey emerged from the Holland Tunnel, a family mission was forged. Since 2016, Joey’s PAW has provided partial or full funding for dogs in need of prosthetics or wheelchairs — nearly one thousand thus far.

Many special-needs dogs that may have otherwise been euthanized now romp and frolic with abandon. Shelters and rescues know the joy of whooshing a dog’s quality of life into the stratosphere. Pet parents get window seats overlooking the kind of resilience, courage and forgiveness that changes hearts and minds about adopting a special-needs pet.

Trace Joey’s PAW’s success stories on their website and the progress of their own special-needs dogs on social media. Learn how they help injured police and military K9s live the remainder of their lives with joy and dignity. Buy some bling; all proceeds benefit special-needs dogs. Become a sponsor or partner.

Help give dogs the zoomies they dream about.

Some people put their money where their heart is.

For Wallis Annenberg, that means strengthening the dynamic and mutually beneficial human-companion animal bond.

Established in 2015, Annenberg PetSpace fulfills this mission on so many levels. Their education center explores the history and science behind our inter-species relationship. Families and their prospective adoptive pets can get to know one another in one of several specially-designed interactive spaces (one can even arrange a meet-and-greet between existing and hopeful pets). Dedicated to identifying and promoting those individuals and organizations advocating for pets, The Annenberg PetSpace is building a formidable alliance on behalf of companions animals everywhere.

Annenberg PetSpace is the latest in a legacy of philanthropic efforts by the Annenberg Foundation to enhance the wellbeing of people and families locally and globally. By revitalizing the adoption process and forming innovative new policies and partnerships, Annenberg PetSpace is saving animals’ lives while elevating the status of pets in our individual lives and in society.

Annenberg PetSpace is located at 12005 Bluff Creek Dr. Playa Vista, CA 90094 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. (424-384-1801).

Be prepared to walk in - and have your heart opened.