Every dog has a tale, and for many, the stories are tragic and don’t have a happy ending. But their lives take a hopeful turn when they are rescued by Angels Helping Animals Worldwide (AHAWW) on Martha’s Vineyard. They get a second chance to love and be loved and to find the home and family they deserve.

Founded in 2014 by Vineyarder Leslie Hurd, AHAWW rescues over 500 dogs annually from the Caribbean, the Amish country in Pennsylvania and rural areas in the south, where their days are literally numbered. Leslie and her team coordinate rescue efforts by identifying dogs in dire situations — such as those abandoned in the aftermath of natural disasters, those trapped in inhumane puppy mills or those at risk in overpopulated shelters — and transport them to safety. Using a combination of air and ground transportation, they ensure these vulnerable animals reach Martha’s Vineyard, where they receive the care and love needed to transform their lives and the lives of the families fortunate enough to welcome them.

Photographing Olly, Sunrise and Coco — three remarkable dogs adopted from AHAWW — offered me a heartening glimpse into the transformative power of rescue. Each family shared how their dog brought joy, healing and boundless love into their lives. They also praised AHAWW for its personal, thoughtful approach, ensuring the perfect match for every home.

Take Olly, a Lab mix’s story. Rescued from an Amish farm where unwanted dogs often face harrowing fates, Olly’s life took a dramatic turn thanks to AHAWW. His new family, initially unsure about adopting a puppy, quickly fell in love with his playful energy and gentle heart. Olly also breathed new life into their 12-year-old dog, Bella, who found her youthful spark again, according to family member Kelly O’Meara. While their bond took time to develop, Olly’s dog-savvy nature and patience eventually won Bella over. Now they’re inseparable.

Sunrise, a Heinz 57 mixed breed, is a second-generation success story. After saying goodbye to their beloved dog adopted 12 years earlier from AHAWW, Sunrise’s family-to-be, Vasha and Frank Brunelle, turned to AHAWW once more. For a second time, Leslie’s expertise and care made a perfect match, and Sunrise quickly filled the void in her new family’s hearts.

Coco’s adoption story is equally serendipitous. Shannon Hatt, also a previous AHAWW adopter, already had two family dogs. They were really her children’s dogs, so when the kids were grown, Shannon felt she needed a dog that was just hers. As luck would have it, Shannon shared her thoughts with Lynn Shepardson, a dedicated AHAWW volunteer, during a chance encounter. Before long, Leslie had matched Shannon with Coco, a soulful dachshund who immediately claimed her heart. Watching Coco’s personality blossom has brought Shannon immeasurable joy, and she describes herself as “over the moon in love with her.”

Leslie’s lifelong passion for rescuing dogs has grown into a mission to save animals from heartbreaking circumstances and connect them with loving homes. “Every time I see a dog settle into their new family, I’m reminded why we do this work,” she shared. Her dedication, combined with AHAWW’s incredible network of volunteers and foster families, has changed countless lives — both canine and human.

But the work is far from done. AHAWW dreams of securing a brick-and-mortar space, even a small space for storage and supplies, which would give them more room to expand their operations, create a visible presence in the community and save even more lives. This dream could become a reality with the help of someone who knows of an underutilized barn, studio, outbuilding or storefront that could be offered for AHAWW to use. With such a space, AHAWW could amplify its efforts, bringing hope and love to more dogs and the families who adopt them.

For information about volunteering, fostering, adoption or donating, visit angelshelpinganimalsmv.org.

Mindy Dutka is a photographer, dog advocate and founder of dogsimeet.com.