What is the Rescue Ranch Sanctuary in Big Springs?
The Rescue Ranch Sanctuary in Big Springs is not open to the public, but plays a vital life-saving role and serves a number of essential functions.
The Sanctuary is where most initial intakes now occur, and its primary function is to house special needs cases:
- Pregnant mothers and puppies
- Deaf dogs and other hard to place individuals with special needs
- At risk dogs
- Adoptable dogs on a break from the Rescue Ranch Adoption Center
- Regular overflow when the Adoption Center is full
- Emergency overflow during wildfires
- "Unadoptables"
- Rescue boarders destined for other organizations
The facility is also where we evaluate dogs, provide at risk dogs extra training, quarantine dogs, treat parvo and other contagious cases.
With a very small staff the Sanctuary crew manage an an approximate average 125 dogs of all ages with very different needs. Serious medical cases sometimes require 24-hour monitoring, others need medication several times a day and/or physical therapy/rehab of some kind.
Puppies need proper socialization and a lot of individual attention as they grow and learn how to become well-adjusted, adoptable adults.
All of the dogs need TLC, and quality time.
Staff do everything they can to give their residents with one-on-one attention and group enrichment activities. Depending on the dog these might include walks, playing fetch, play groups, training, or a dip in the pool.
In the summer of 2024, the Rescue Ranch Sanctuary in Big Springs inaugurated its large above ground doggie pool. Dogs and puppies now have access to aqua therapy onsite. The water has physical benefits and provides opportunities for socialization and play.