Rescue is about removing animals from a bad situation and providing them with the best life possible. That means keeping them safe and caring for them until they find a great home. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that healthy, happy dogs are the #1 priority for everyone at Rescue Ranch. On Tuesday, I joined the Adoption Center’s new medical lead for a behind-the-scenes look at how her role serves the wellbeing of our dogs.
What is a medical lead?
As lead, AliCarmen Carico takes point on all medical matters. She undertakes intake assessments, diagnostic tests, vaccinations, and microchipping. She addresses medical needs, keeps records in order, updates treatments notes, tracks medication, ensures follow up, and handles walk-ins from the general public. Ali also coordinates with our vet network as well as Sanctuary staff and fosters.
In rescue you have to be ready for the unexpected and skill redundancy is a life-saver. It’s a team sport. Several staff members are trained and able to provide support on days when Ali isn’t there.
Please note that Rescue Ranch staff are not vet techs and do not provide veterinary services to the public. They can, however, administer some vaccines and insert microchips.
Caring for sick, injured, and recovering dogs
When I arrived at the Adoption Center that morning, Ali was about to start on her rounds. Her regular duties include checking in with every single dog, four times a week. Currently that means visiting with about 80 dogs.
She began by dispensing morning medications. Occasionally we have dogs recovering from major surgery, but Tuesday was pretty routine. There were allergies, minor injuries, spay/neuter cases. All of the dogs eagerly gobbled up their medicine: it helped that it was wrapped in cream cheese! Clover went back for seconds, licking Ali’s fingers.
We visited with Mouse, a Chihuahua mix with serious allergies. Possibly food sensitivities combined with stress and a seasonally overactive immune system. With medication, dietary changes, and two baths a week, her fur is coming back in. Tuesday was bath day.
Andie, the lovely fire momma dog Ali fostered last summer, is still looking for a foster or adopter. We’re treating her for a skin allergy.
As Ali visited with each of her charges she assessed injuries and spay stitches, looking for either improvement or worsening. Archie’s toe was at risk for infection, so she started him on course of antibiotics, counting out the 10-day supply after determining dosage using a link on her phone.
She made sure to update the board and make treatment notes.
Healthy, Happy Dogs at the Adoption Center
Next, Ali grabbed some treats and we set out to visit the rest of our 80 residents. Talk about happy dogs! Most were excited as all get-out to see Ali. They jumped up against the fencing waiting for their goodies, which provided a good view of front paws and tummies.
As we walked, she explained that although they are short, her frequent visits with the dogs are critical. She looks for changes in appetite, deportment, engagement, as well as any obvious physical distress.
For example, Marshall, who is also still looking for a home, didn’t want his treat. This was unusual, so she made a note to ask staff whether he had eaten his breakfast.
Being a walking treat dispenser has other benefits. Ali gets to know the dogs, and, just as importantly, they get to know her. Trust is essential in any dog handling role. She made a point of stopping a while to pet Bella who is still struggling to connect after her owner passed away in 2021.
We spent some time with Romeo who was really hamming it up at the fence. This boy totally lives up to his name: he’s such a lover. But he consistently goes unnoticed, despite his beautiful face. Adopters don’t know what they’re missing with this affectionate guy!
Fernando, another wonderful but overlooked good boy, asked for cuddles and a belly rub. Ali took the opportunity to show me how well his paw injury was doing. The fur on the leg was growing back and his toe was fully healed.
After our tour of the dogs, Ali went in to give Mouse her bath. Mouse is not fond of baths. But she put up with the indignity like a champ!
