It’s a knotty tale. Recently, two separate cases of pet abandonment played out right at our gate. Animal abandonment is a crime in Siskiyou County, punishable with a hefty fine. Yet folks decided the best way to solve their pet problem was to tie dogs to the Rescue Ranch fence. Imagine how these dogs felt being tied up in an unknown place, watching the people they trusted drive away. Not knowing what would happen, or if they’d ever see their caretakers again. For one puppy, the abandonment was fatal. Fortunately, the other dumped pups have a chance at a happy life.
We know it can be challenging to find pet-friendly housing and low-cost veterinary care. Folks might feel desperate. But that doesn’t excuse the cruelty of dumping an animal. At this writing, Rescue Ranch is caring for over 260 dogs. When it comes to intakes, we must prioritize the ones whose lives are at stake. That’s why we do everything possible to help dogs and their humans. We offer a free rehoming service via our website, a free pet food pantry, free weekly socialization classes, and no-interest loans for emergency vet care. When people reach out for help, we do everything possible to steer them in a responsible direction. But sometimes folks don’t give us the chance.
Brighter days ahead for Bubba
On the afternoon of August 29th, Sanctuary security cameras filmed a four-wheeler with a trailer approaching the gate. Two individuals unloaded a dog from a crate and tied him to the fence. Thankfully, they left him in the shade and provided a bowl of water (they also left a bag of food). Staff found the dog an hour or so later. “Bubba,” as he was soon dubbed, was frightened and upset, and grumbled as his ragged blue leash was untied. But once the obese black lab realized he was safe, his spunky nature reemerged.
When I visited the Sanctuary a week later, Bubba had just returned from the vet. He barked at me through the fence, and then changed his mind and rubbed against my legs. He’s adorable—tubby with a hobbling, roly-poly gait. I could see why Operations Manager Laura Finley worried he might need surgery. The vet determined that Bubba has a genetic knee deformity that can’t be surgically corrected. He does need to lose about 30 pounds, which will help improve his mobility.
The great news is that Karen Topping of Meghan’s House Rescue did some quick networking and conjured a wonderful foster home for Bubba! He gets to hang out with another lab as he loses weight. Hallelujah! Bubba’s humans decided that pet abandonment was their only solution, but brighter days are ahead for this special needs darling.
9 German shepherd pups tied to fence outside Adoption Center
When folks arrived to dump the puppies, it must have been before dawn. Employees on their way to work at the neighboring property saw nine puppies tethered to our fence. Their leashes were tangled and a few pups were choking. Our neighbors rushed to untie them. In the process, one puppy slipped away and raced off down to Oberlin Road, where it was killed by an oncoming vehicle. Our neighbors kept the other eight safe until Ranch staff arrived.
A written apology was left on the gate with the puppies. It claims that their caregivers rescued a female German shepherd without realizing she was pregnant. No one wanted the puppies, and their caregivers were unable to pay for their vaccines. We’ll never know if these folks tried reaching out to us for help before taking this step.
Pet abandonment burdens overfull shelters like Rescue Ranch
With nowhere else to place the puppies, Laura made space at the Sanctuary. They were thin but in reasonably good shape, although their flat ankles suggest they may have been kept too confined as they grew. Quarantine passed without a hitch and the puppies gained strength playing on hay bales in their pen. Then, out of the blue, little Guinevere came down with pneumonia. Laura and Karen raced her to the vet, where she was placed on oxygen. Within three days, three more siblings fell ill. Thankfully, all pulled through.
I always love visiting puppies, and this litter, playfully called the “Oceans Eight,” was no exception. They’re absolutely beautiful, with a refinement that sets them apart from the more robust shepherd mixes we often see. Like all puppies, they wanted to nibble my hands, but they were docile, friendly, and gentle. I found Thaumas especially irresistible, with his earnest gaze and desire for contact.
Laura then introduced me to Guinevere, who’s bunking separately because she’s so small. She came up to me eagerly and then frolicked with Faye and Nala, two solo pups found abandoned along county roads. Laura’s holding off on making Guinevere available for adoption just yet, giving her ankles extra time to strengthen. The other puppies have all passed their wellness exams, including hip evaluations. So far, two have found homes. Yay!
Without a support system in place for families struggling to keep up, pet abandonment will continue to be a heart-breaking burden for rescuers. Meanwhile, we beg the community: let Rescue Ranch help you keep your dogs safe and cared for.
