In the realm of animal welfare, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, a legacy of its founder, Leo Grillo. Nestled in the Angeles National Forest, this no-kill, care-for-life animal sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the world, home to over 1,500 abandoned cats and dogs. But the story of D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is not just about the numbers; it’s about a journey of love and dedication, a journey that began with a man’s chance encounter with a single abandoned dog.
Leo Grillo, an actor and passionate conservationist, moved to Los Angeles in 1977 to pursue his film career. However, his life took an unexpected turn in 1979 during a drive through the Angeles National Forest. It was there that Grillo found a black Doberman, thin and tired, wandering alone – the very same dog he had seen in his dreams. This encounter was not just a rescue but a moment of destiny. Grillo named the dog Delta, meaning ‘change’ in Greek, a fitting name for a dog who would alter the course of his life.
The rescue of Delta marked the beginning of Grillo’s journey in animal welfare. On a subsequent wilderness hike with Delta, Grillo discovered 35 other dogs that had been abandoned and were starving. Despite reaching out for help, he learned that no humane organization or government agency would intervene without euthanizing the animals. Unwilling to accept this fate for the dogs, Grillo took it upon himself to feed and medicate them for a year, eventually rescuing them all. This act of dedication led to the formation of Dedication & Everlasting Love To Animals (D.E.L.T.A. Rescue).
Today, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is more than just a sanctuary; it is a testament to the power of commitment and love. The organization takes pride in not only the number of animals it shelters but also in the quality of life provided to each resident. The sanctuary receives no government aid and operates solely on donor contributions, underscoring the grassroots nature of its existence and the importance of community support.
Beyond D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, Grillo’s commitment to animal welfare extends to other ventures. He founded the national horse rescue group “Horse Rescue of America” and the “Wildlife Sanctuary of America”. His passion for animal welfare is paralleled by his career in the entertainment industry, where he has starred in films like “Zyzzyx Road” and “Magic,” a heartwarming story about a dog who heals a broken family.
D.E.L.T.A. Rescue’s impact goes beyond sheltering animals; it challenges societal attitudes towards abandoned and stray animals. The sanctuary is a reminder of the responsibility humans have towards other living beings and the difference one person can make in the lives of many. Grillo’s vision has created a haven where animals are not just saved but are given a life filled with love and care.
Grillo’s story is one of unwavering commitment and love for animals. His journey with Delta and the subsequent rescue of numerous other animals reflect a profound belief in compassion and responsibility towards all living beings. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, through its founder’s vision, continues to be a symbol of hope and a source of inspiration, reminding us of the enduring bond between humans and animals.
In conclusion, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is not just a sanctuary; it is a movement, a call to action for animal welfare, spearheaded by a man whose life was forever changed by a chance encounter. Leo Grillo’s dedication to these voiceless beings serves as a powerful example of how compassion and action can create lasting change, making the world a better place for animals and humans alike.
Published by: Martin De Juan
