Canines with Superpowers

THE UNSTOPPABLES DOG TEAM OF HUNTINGTON BEACH IS PROVING THAT A DISABILITY DOES NOT DEFINE US BY DANIELLE BAUTER

SPEEDY, ZEEK, EDDIE, POP, ELLIOTT, AND BUNNY POP. Masters of putting a smile on your face. Able to break down barriers with a single bound. Dubbed The Unstoppables, this crew of determined pups are inspiring superheroes— despite each one’s traumatic origin story, their sunny disposition and contagious zest for life never waiver.

The Unstoppables are part of Dream Fetchers, a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 by Debbie Pearl of Huntington Beach. Pearl has dedicated her life to rescuing dogs from abuse, particularly those with physical and mental limitations. Many of her dogs have physical issues that require prosthetics and wheelchairs, but that never stops them.

Once the animals are rescued, Dream Fetchers provides training and tender loving care. Caring for older dogs with physical challenges can be expensive, and the organization relies entirely on donations. To support the mission, Pearl takes The Unstoppables team to nursing homes, hospitals, and schools, where they are so eager to spread their unbridled joy to similarly-challenged humans.

The Unstoppables are making a big impact too— they lead multiple fundraisers a year, stay active on social media, and have an illustrated book series to inspire kids, written by Lauren Kramer-Theurkauf. To track the many adventures of The Unstoppables and help their cause, follow them @theunstoppabledogs and visit dreamfetchers.org.