We’re only halfway through 2025 and it’s already been a big year for emergency medical care! Here at Rescue Ranch we believe all dogs deserve to live a life of love. Kitu’s Fund for high-cost and emergency medical care gives sick and injured dogs that chance. For the pups featured here–and so many others before them–that care was life-saving. Donate today to help us save dog lives like Trooper, Thornton, Angel, Archer, Fiona and many more!
Trooper: Inspiring resilience
Trooper came to us in woeful condition after he was found near death. Kitu’s Fund covered his initial x-rays: he had a broken knee on one side and broken pelvis on the other. Since he was far too emaciated to undergo surgery, all we could do was keep him quiet and pain-free while he gained weight. A second set of x-rays revealed that Trooper’s injuries had healed as they were and couldn’t be surgically corrected. The vet prescribed further rest and recovery.
Keeping a vibrant young shepherd calm is no easy task, especially when he loves people as much as Trooper does! He’s gradually regained his strength and is now ready to begin the next chapter. He’ll always have limited mobility; he needs lifelong joint-supplements and an adopter who will monitor his exercise. But thanks to Kitu’s Fund, he has a bright future.
Angel & Archer: Eye surgery for two
For two Anatolian pups, Kitu’s Fund meant the difference between terrible discomfort and a pain-free life. Archer came to us needing surgery for entropion. Angel’s case was still worse. An examination determined that her eyes would always cause her pain. Kitu’s Fund covered her emergency eye removal and Angel began life over as a specially-abled pup.
When I met her shortly after her surgery, Angel was still adjusting to the loss of her vision. She cheerfully bumped her nose on the walls of her kennel as she tried to find me using sound and smell alone. Sanctuary staff doted on her. But the best part of her story was when the vet tech who assisted with her surgery applied to adopt! We’re delighted that Angel found her happily-ever-after through Kitu’s Fund.
Thornton: Amputation after a terrible accident
It was a shock to everyone at the Adoption Center that day. Thornton and another dog riled each other up in what is known as a “fence fight.” Somehow, Thornton got his left front leg through the fence and the other dog grabbed hold. The result? Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. Thankfully, staff discovered Thornton’s predicament before it was too late. Serendipitously, an adopter with medical experience was visiting to meet dogs and helped stop the loss of blood. Thornton was rushed up to the Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center (SOVSC) and safely stabilized. Sadly, the leg couldn’t be saved.
Thornton underwent his amputation first thing the following Monday and Kitu’s Fund footed the bill. He’s spent the last couple of months recuperating at the Sanctuary and adjusting to life on three legs. This upbeat boy is more cheerful than ever and hardly seems to notice. We’re all hoping his adorable tripod hop will help him find the home he’s been waiting for so long.
Fiona and Fisher: A bittersweet story of survival
The story begins with puppies abandoned at a work site in Macdoel, CA. A good samaritan found two snuggled under some equipment. A third pup, deceased, was lying nearby. The finder brought the survivors to Rescue Ranch, where we named them Fiona and Fisher. We began treatment for severe dehydration but it was clear that Fisher was struggling. Then both pups broke with parvo.
Given their condition, we knew their best chance was the new monoclonal antibody treatment and veterinary care at SOVSC. Fiona responded well and within 48 hours was back at the Sanctuary to continue her recovery. Fisher was not so lucky. Apparently he ingested antifreeze before his rescue and his kidney was badly damaged. With the advice of our vets, we made the heartbreaking decision to release him from a struggle he didn’t deserve. He passed without pain, receiving the best possible care.
Fiona is now parvo-negative, a little wooly bear who’s full of joy. In fact, she can hardly hold still, which makes picture taking difficult! While our hearts ache for Fisher (and the sibling who never had a chance), we’re grateful to Kitu’s Fund for saving Fiona’s life.
Thanks to Kitu’s Fund, we’ll continue to save dog lives. Give today!
These aren’t the only Kitu’s Fund dogs this year. There’s also lively little Foxy, who broke her leg jumping off a dog house. There are the five parvo pups earlier this spring. There’s Cabo, a young stray found near the Mayten store who had his own touch-and-go battle with parvo. All of these dogs were given a fighting chance thanks to Kitu’s Fund. To date, our Kitu’s Fund expenses for 2025 amount to $35,000, plus $10,000 we still owe from last year!
Please donate today to help us save dog lives like Trooper, Thornton, Angel, Archer, Fiona and so many others. With your support, we’ll continue to make a difference for dogs in need.
