In dog rescue, you learn to expect the unexpected. The only real surprise is when a day goes by without a surprise. So when a couple traveling home on a Friday evening finds three neglected dogs dumped along a highway and brings them to your gate, you just roll up your sleeves and get to work. And that’s exactly what Rescue Ranch Sanctuary staff did.
Three neglected dogs found in shocking condition
While traveling home to Yreka, a couple spotted three dumped, neglected dogs lying along county road A12, about a mile east of Hwy 97, in the area known as the Vistas. A male and a female huddled together in the sun; a third female had crawled to the shade of a nearby tree. The finders scooped them up and brought them to our Sanctuary gate.
All three were in such awful condition that they looked almost unearthly: scabby skin, missing hair, open sores, crusty eyes, broken teeth. They were exhausted and gentle.
They look ancient, yet staff suspect they are less than 5 years old. The suffering they have endured is past imagination. We’ll never know how or why they fell into such bad hands. One was badly emaciated and could barely stand. Staff dubbed her Esperanza and started her on subcutaneous fluids. The other two, Angus and Rosa, settled into a quiet kennel in the barn.
Thankfully, all three have healthy appetites and good digestion. Within 48 hours, Esperanza was able to stand and walk around. Sanctuary staff made a vet appointment for all three on Monday morning.
Kitu’s Fund gives these neglected dogs new hope
The vet agrees they’re young–possibly 5 years for Rosa and 2 for Esperanza and Angus. Oddly, they’re also spayed/neutered. All three were diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, causing inflamed skin, hair loss, and skin tags. Vet staff spent 45 minutes removing foxtails from paws, toes, and gums. Though too weak to be sedated, they endured it without complaint.
I met them shortly afterwards. They were resting quietly in their kennel, itchy but calm. Rosa woofed weakly, then decided I passed muster. As woeful as they look now, they’ve visibly improved since intake.
It’s difficult to guess at breeds but looking past the outward condition, I glimpsed true beauty. Esperanza gazed into my soul, wagged her tail, rolled over on her blankets, then led me hopefully to her kennel door. Dogs live in the present. This helps us focus on their recovery and better days ahead.
Treatment includes Bravecto for the mange, ear flush and ointment, pain meds, antibiotics, and an Epsom salt and betadine foot soak three times daily (thank you, Sanctuary staff!). Follow-up exams will determine whether further foxtail removal is needed. It won’t be quick but with time and care, these special pups will be ready for a new life. This time around, Rescue Ranch will make sure they fall into the best hands.
You can help dogs like Rosa, Esperanza and Angus
We couldn’t face the unexpected without Kitu’s Fund for high-cost and emergency care. Thanks to Kitu’s Fund, we can give this trio everything they need to make a fresh start. With your support, we’ll continue to help dumped dogs like Rosa, Esperanza and Angus. Donate to Kitu’s Fund today!
