It’s been a big year of dog rescue, filled with life-saving projects, adventures, emergencies, and day-to-day care. With the end of the year in sight, November is a good time to pause and reflect on where we currently stand. Despite many challenges, Rescue Ranch continues to grow and make a difference for hundreds of dogs. One thing’s for sure: we couldn’t continue to do what we do without your support!
High intakes, lower adoptions
As of this writing, Rescue Ranch is caring for a total of 253 dogs, and intakes continue high. So far in 2024 we’ve welcomed 488 new dogs. This means we’re on track to match or possibly exceed the number of dogs rescued in 2023.
As we’ve mentioned before, this influx is offset by an overall decline in adoptions. In 2023 we found permanent homes for 443 dogs and puppies, whereas so far this year we’ve adopted out 332.
We’re absolutely overjoyed for every adoption, regardless of the amount of time a dog has been with us. It’s especially meaningful when residents like Jackson, Ostara, and Beau find families after months or even years of waiting.
Increasing demands encourage new growth
Still, with adoptions low, it’s been necessary to enlarge our base in multiple areas in order to keep up with the demands. We’ve added to the Rescue Ranch team, which now includes 11 staff members at the Adoption Center, 7 at the Sanctuary, and 5 additional personnel in management, adoptions, and communications roles. And this isn’t counting our pool of volunteers, who walk dogs, drive transports, staff adoption events, fold laundry, scoop yards, socialize puppies, enter data, and so much more.
The development of the Sanctuary property has been absolutely central to our expansion as a dog rescue. At present the Sanctuary is sheltering 56 adults and 53 puppies. The sheer space available there lends itself to creative options not possible in the more confined setup of the Adoption Center. The newest innovation is a village of “Keepers Condos”: cozy doggy duplexes that will house six “keepers” or longterm Ranch residents in need of more permanent housing.
The other area of development is our foster program. 58 Rescue Ranch dogs and puppies are learning valuable lessons and enjoying a respite in happy foster homes. Our partnership with Karen Topping of Meghan’s House Rescue has significantly extended our reach to the north and south. Karen’s networking and adoption events away from home have helped us find more wonderful fosters and adopters farther afield.
With your help, we’ll meet the ongoing challenges of dog rescue
One of our biggest challenges this year has been the frequency of medical emergencies requiring Kitu’s Fund support. From unexpected vet exams to life-saving surgeries, we’ve seen just about everything. Our Kitu’s Fund outlay so far this year is a whopping $53,736. The vast majority of these emergency cases were our own dogs, but we have made several public loans as well. Keep in mind that this outlay is in addition to all our regular vetting expenses, including spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams, medications, and vaccines for healthy dogs. So far this year, our regular veterinary expenses total $77,311. That’s why your support during our Kitu’s Fund campaign earlier this year was so essential–and appreciated!
Looking ahead, we are hoping for a fruitful Giving Tuesday on December 3–early giving begins November 19th. We’re beyond grateful for all our supporters, monthly sustainers, fosters, adopters, and rescue advocates. YOU are the reason we can “do it for the dogs”–one day at a time. Thank woof!
