Sabrina Somma’s ‘K911 ResQ’ Saves Dogs That Need It The Most

By Belinda Cai

Sabrina Somma, right.

Sabrina Somma is basically Wonder Woman. She’s a firefighter paramedic saving human lives on the daily. But it doesn’t stop there. She loves her job a lot, but loves animals just as much.

“[When choosing to adopt], I always pick handicapped, senior, stray and abused animals because they are unwanted,” she says. “I never want them to feel that way.”

Along with KTLA's Kacey Montoya, Sabrina started the nonprofit, K911 ResQ, run entirely by volunteers, and on fundraiser and donor funds. The rescue organization helps dogs in extreme cases of neglect, health crisis and emergency. 

K911 ResQ’s website states, “Most of the animals that we rescue are in desperate need of medical and/or social rehabilitation. It's heartbreaking to see where many of these animals come from, but knowing we can give them a second chance keeps us moving forward.”

“K911 ResQ’s website states, ‘Most of the animals that we rescue are in desperate need of medical and/or social rehabilitation. It’s heartbreaking to see where many of these animals come from, but knowing we can give them a second chance keeps us moving forward.’”

On top of all she does, Sabrina is also the co-owner of Cosmic Brewery, her husband being the brewmaster. The brewery even has a beer, K911 ResQ Cosmonaut, that generates money for the rescue: 100% of the proceeds go toward K911 ResQ. People can adopt the rescued dogs at the brewery. 

We talked with Sabrina about her passion for animals and the organization. 

Dog Whisperer: What a wonderful organization. Tell us about K911 ResQ.
Sabrina: We save senior, stray, handicapped and abused animals by rehabilitating them and finding them forever homes. The mission is to find all unwanted animals a loving home. While we rescue every animal that we can, we tend to focus on extreme cases, which is pulling the animal out of a bad situation while we still can. You can read more here.

“The mission is to find all unwanted animals a loving home. While we rescue every animal that we can, we tend to focus on extreme cases, which is pulling the animal out of a bad situation while we still can.”

DW: What gave you the idea for this organization?
S: I always saved stray animals I’d come across, even from a young age. A few years ago, I witnessed someone throwing a dog out of the window of a moving car on the 405 freeway in LA. I parked my truck and ran across the freeway to save her. I named the pup Freeway. She had a huge bloody tumor on her belly. I called rescues and vets and no one would help me because I wasn't a nonprofit. That was when I decided to start my own.

DW: What are the numbers with the dogs you have rescued?
S: Since our launch, we have rescued over 70 animals. As a kid, I can't remember. My poor mother, though... I always brought home stray animals that I found, and would take care of them. 

DW: What are some K911 ResQ cases that stand out to you?
S: As mentioned, Freeway the dog was thrown into traffic. Survivor was run over by a truck. She lost an eye and had over 30 fractures in her nasal cavity. Bambi had a very broken leg that we fixed. She was wandering the streets for more than five months with no help. Learn more and see adorable photos of the rescues here.

DW: How can people help the organization?
S: Go to Cosmic brewery and buy the beer designated for us, the K911 ResQ Cosmonaut. We receive 10% of those proceeds. Buy a t-shirt or bandana. Donate, foster or share our posts. Come help volunteer.

DW: What are your goals for the future?
S: My husband and I want to get a ranch where I can house all the animals and care for them. We will fund it by offering a doggie daycare and store. It will have a section for senior, handicapped and hospice animals. 

Check out K911’s website here and Instagram here.

Sign up to volunteer here. Learn more here.

Watch our video that features Sabrina here.