Welcome to the Momma’s Tales section of our website, where you can discover the inspiring stories of the individual rescue animals who have found sanctuary and hope at Momma's Costa Rican Rescue Haven. Each animal has a unique journey filled with resilience, courage, and the transformative power of compassion. Do you have a favorite rescue? If so - please consider a sponsorship for food, medications, and health maintenance.
Below, you'll find detailed profiles of our rescue animals, complete with heartwarming videos, captivating photos, and personal notes about their history, status, and progress. From courageous dogs who have overcome adversity to gentle cats and feisty pigs seeking a second chance at love, each story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of these remarkable creatures.
I'm going to be FA-MOUSE Momma says. I'm about 7-years-old and was born in Southern California. I was born with a twisted spin and under-developed back legs. I have a lot of neurological issues as well - funny story - but my real name is Charlie. But I "kick" my back legs a lot because my spine doesn't transmit the proper signals to my legs, so Momma calls me Kikki. I've come a long way from when I was a baby - I run and play and roll around in the grass.
I'm the protector of the Haven.
Everyday, I do a "Kikki Tour" around the
edge of the property to make sure
everyone's safe!!
I wear a diaper when I'm inside the
house otherwise I run around nekkid!
P.S. - I'm a boy even though I like my
tiara of flowers!
Hello Hoomans! My name is Miss Phoebe, but Momma calls me Piglet. I have very big toe beans and am built like a mack-truck. But mostely, I am a simple lady dog. About 8-years old, I enjoy laying down and feeling safe. Plus, me likii lots of food. jah jah. Momma's local rescue friends (El Refugio) rescued me and all my babies. Someone tied me to a post and left my little puppies in a box by the road. We were all sick with parasites, but El Refugio saved our lives. My puppies healed and were adopted by loving families. I was very lonely without them but then Momma met me and brought me to the Haven. I can lay by Momma or my brothers and sisters without worrying about getting hurt by bad people or wild animals. And there is always food. I am so happy - and I get to run and play as well.
Momma's commentary: Miss Pig is a gentle soul even after the abuse she suffered. She has deep scars on the underside of her throat where she was cut with a blade of some type. Too often, people do not want a dog and attempt to dispatch it. She healed and is a permanent resident of the Haven.
Piloo Pig and his lovely wife, Lady the Goose, were two lonely souls who found love and comfort in each other's presence. Lady fell in love with Piloo last year after her sister passed away. She followed him around and sat in the door of his house as he slept at night. Piloo is a 2-year-old mixed breed potbelly pig - Vietnamese and Yucatan Hairless. Kind, silly, and protective - he watches over the flock of chickens and lavishes attention on his special girl Miss Lady Goose.
Did you know that researchers estimate that potbelly pigs can produce around 20 different sounds, each serving a specific communicative purpose. Snorts and deep exhales mean "I LOVE you"!!
Street Dog Turned Best Friend and Boss
My hooman momma moved from Chicago to Southern California in 2015. She volunteered at an adoption event soon after getting settled - it was held in front of a PetCo and there were so many dogs and puppies. She cleaned up puppy poop and walked us adult dogs. I was very scared. I had been in Mexico and had some baby puppies when a lady took me and my little ones to SoCal. I was so broken - 28 pounds, twisted jaw, my ear was cut open, my skin was bad and all I wanted to do was find food in the trash for my babies. But all of my kids died except for one. She was very sick, and they had to take her from me. Not a big desire for old broken-down dogs
At the end of the night, she put me in her car and drove me to her home. She laid out a big soft blanket in the middle of the living room and gave me a bath. While she was cleaning the bathtub she left me in the other room. I laid down and rolled on that blanket - it was the first time I'd been clean and warm and safe. Mommy found me and she started to cry. I think she was happy for me.
Momma's commentary: Yep - I fell for this sweet girl and named her Amy. That night, seeing her joy changed something inside of me. A little spark of a dream ... the Haven. Not that I knew it then!!!
I woke up the next morning and Amy was next to me sleeping like a person with her head on my pillow under the covers. I was hooked. She's been my best friend - my heart dog - my girl - all these years since that fateful night. She's probably 13 or 14 years old as of today (2024). She's the leader - she makes sure all the dogs get to eat and nobody hogs the food dishes - she doesn't let anyone get too ruff with each other - when I'm sick or blue she lays with me or near. Amy is my best friend and thank you for reading a little about her. She's overcome so much pain and fear from whatever happened to her before we found each other that she's an inspiration.
I am the LOLA. Or as my siblings call me - Senorita Maloonigans. I started this yo - back in 2012 I was a sickly 8-pound kennel cough ridden poodle mix running wild with dreadlocks on the mean streets of Chi-Town (Chicago if you ain't kewl and in the know like me). I'm 13 or 14 years old. I run this town.
... 5 seconds later.
Wait? WHAT? I confused.
HOBBIES: Staring at things.
LIKES: Standing in front of people.
GOALS: Moving along-side anyone near me so I can stand in their way.
FUTURE PLANS: Shark cage diving.
FAV SONG: That's not my name by the Ting Tings.
FAV GAME: Butt bongo and barking while I turn in circles.
Ah - hm - ohh - er. Hi. My friends who saved my life (El Refugio a large and wonderful local rescue) named me Cortez. Cortez is the name of the village where I was found - half dead in a ditch barely able to walk and move around. Starving, scabs covering my chest and belly, and a spinal/leg injury making it near impossible for me to bend one of my back legs - I prayed for God to send someone to help me. After many months of medical care and love and so much patience the El Ref Rescue told my "soon to be" mommy about me. I saw her and I was so scared I just looked at her from my kennel. Then, she brought me to the HAVEN and there was grass and so much land to explore. I tried to run with my new brothers, but I kept falling down. But, over time I became stronger. And while I have to raise up my hip to get that darn back leg to rise up I LIFT UP MY HIP and I RUN and I roll in the fresh grass and I am loved and love. I hope telling you this is ok - I'm a little shy.
Momma's commentary: Sweet and timid, Cortez is still learning to trust. We work together to stretch his spine and legs and open his hips so he is more flexible and hopefully feels less pain. After I work with him - he ALWAYS - turns and licks my hand just once. He's not a licker - but I think it's his way of thanking me.
There are so many other wonderful personalities to share with you ... please watch for updates on this section of the website and our social media.
We Love You and that's just about the best thing in the world!
