It’s that time of year once more! Thanksgiving is practically here, which means Giving Tuesday is just around the corner. 2025 has been a roller coaster ride, jam-packed with big challenges and touching rescue moments. From a hard winter freeze, to an influx of hoarding case dogs, to Kitu’s Fund rescues, to abandoned strays, to a fall flood of puppies, we’ve seen it all. Let’s take a look at where we stand heading into the season of giving.
Keeping our heads above water
Rescue Ranch is currently caring for over 280 dogs. At times it feels like we’re drowning: no sooner do we adopt a dog out than we take in two or three more. In reality, our intakes are very close to last year’s. Last year we accepted a total of 624 dogs. As of mid-November 2025 we’ve taken in 577.
A whopping 263 of these dogs are transfers from Siskiyou County Animal Control. The county shelter simply can’t keep up with all the stray and homeless dogs coming their way. Each of these unwanted dogs is inherently worthy and lovable. We are literally their last chance.
A huge proportion of our county intakes are puppies. We’ve welcomed 277 puppies so far this year. They’ve come to us as orphans, strays, abandoned litters, and owner surrenders. We’ve provided a healthy start, crucial socialization, and found them loving forever homes.
It may seem small, but the impact is exponential. By ensuring their spay/neuter, we’re preventing millions more from repeating the same cycle. (Check the math: assuming that 1 intact female can produce 60,000 dogs in 6 years, multiply that number by half our puppy intakes, or 135. The result? 8,100,000!).
Making a difference, one life at a time
The adoptions, success stories, and heartwarming moments keep us going. Adoptions have improved from last year, due in large part to the creative networking of our partner Karen Topping of Meghan’s House Rescue. So far this year we’ve found homes for 493 dogs, compared to 417 in 2024.
Every adoption is a cause for celebration. But some adoptions are deeply meaningful for the entire Rescue Ranch team. Like our beloved Kitu’s Fund recipient Thornton, who survived an emergency amputation after a freak accident earlier this year. In the 1,046 days he spent in our care, never once did Thornton’s cheerful optimism waver. Now he’s a beloved family member, enjoying all the privileges a dog deserves. In turn, he’s bringing joy, affection, and an unquenchable can-do spirit to his new family. Bravo Thornton!
Our Kitu’s Fund survivors always hold a special place in our hearts. Like our trio Rosa, Esperanza, and Angus, found in shocking condition on a county road earlier this year. Four months ago, these three neglected dogs were disfigured by sarcoptic mange, embedded foxtails, open sores, and eye infections. Now they’re ready to begin life anew in loving homes. Rosa and Angus have already won the hearts of our Adoption Center team. Office coordinator Jada Smith says “they are the biggest cuddlers ever and so so sweet.”
Meanwhile, Esperanza (Espy for short) is settling in with a fabulous foster! Espy has a wonderful sense of humor and lives for all the creature comforts. She loves to burrow under her blankets like a chihuahua and dress herself up as a ghost. Oh, and she snores.
This Giving Tuesday, give homeless dogs new hope
Your generous support this Giving Tuesday will help us continue to:
- Rescue stray and abandoned dogs and puppies
- Transfer at-risk dogs from local shelters
- Raise healthy puppies
- Provide life-saving medical treatment
- Promote spay/neuter
- Support pet owners
- And find loving homes for the dogs in our care.
Help us “Do it for the Dogs”: support homeless dogs this December 2nd. (If you’d like to get a head start, early giving is underway!)
If you’d like to adopt Rosa, Esperanza or Angus, or if you’re interested in fostering, please fill out an adoption or foster application and call the Adoption Center at (530)842-0829.
