Boyle Heights man helps feed homeless animals – NBC Los Angeles

Martinez, who has two dogs of his own, said he never owned a pet before his dogs. 

But when one of his dogs developed a health condition, causing its back legs to not work properly, he said he learned a lot more about what it takes to care for a pet.

After speaking to a vet and getting his dog some supplements, he became vigilant of other dogs he came across in the street, sometimes noticing the similar limps his dog experienced. 

“I would feel so bad because most of them were in the street, homeless people, so most likely they don’t know about it. Or even if they do, those gummies are kind of expensive,” Martinez said. “And I was like, ‘Oh my God, I wish I could do something.’”

While driving around one day, Martinez said he came across a woman whose dog appeared to have issues with its back legs. He approached the woman and alerted her that her dog was practically dragging its legs.

“I’m not the type of person to tell people what to do with their pets, but I felt so bad because I don’t know if she was aware or not,” Martinez said. 

In hopes of helping the woman and her dog, Martinez purchased some joint supplements to offer to the woman, but said he never found her again. He kept the supplements in his car in case he encountered someone else who may need them. 

That’s when he began brainstorming ways he could offer some help to other homeless dogs in need. 

“Well, other than the supplements, what about if I give them a whole meal? What about if they haven’t ate?” Martinez said he thought to himself.

Martinez began planning and out of his own pocket, purchased kibble, disposable bowls, water bottles and dog toys. 

He created a setup in his trunk, and while driving around on breaks during his work day, he would spot homeless dogs and their owners who might need some help. 

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a person that feels a lot for people,” Martinez said. “If I see somebody going through a hard time, I try to help.”

Although some owners were a bit skeptical at first, Martinez says their faces immediately changed as soon as he opened his trunk. 

“I feel like they get surprised, they don’t know if they should accept it or not,” Martinez said. “I don’t know how many people actually offer to help them.”

One particular video that garnered him attention was a dog named Maya, who he spotted a couple of times on the street and was able to offer her owner some water and dog food. 

Martinez said that video, which has over 400,000 views on TikTok, is what prompted other social media users to reach out to him via messages, videos and comments and begin asking him how they can help. 

“Since I was getting all this attention I kind of wanted to make it like a team thing,” Martinez said. “I never had that in mind of donations. I just didn’t feel good taking money from people.”

Instead, he decided to set up an Amazon wishlist where people can help purchase supplies for his trunk setup.

“I still feel bad even though I’m still doing this because I know it’s not much. I wish I could change their whole situation,” Martinez said. “Especially the dogs, get them inside a home, not in the streets.”

“I could see the little changes. I’m not saying I made it perfect for them, but I could probably provide a couple food. I could make their days good for the next couple days, next couple weeks,” Martinez said. 

Martinez added that he also hopes his videos help inspire others to help even in small ways like a bit of food. 

“I wish I could change everything to their whole situation, but I can’t,” Martinez said. “That’s why I do it, to be like, ‘Ok I did something to help, at least something small but I did something.’”