I first met Presley in the summer of 2021. When the Lava Fire spilled down the slopes of Mt. Shasta, my husband and I evacuated to Yreka. I volunteered at Rescue Ranch to pass the time while we were away. I cradled soot-coated Ash, the fire puppy, and helped build kennels for community dogs. And I met Paws and Presley, two adult dogs rescued with severe burns from the fire zone. I held Presley’s head while the triage team washed his legs, applied honey and bandaged his paws. I’ll never forget the look in Presley’s eyes during the ordeal. He hardly flinched, though the pain must have been terrible. His amber eyes gazed trustingly into mine–he simply surrendered himself to our care.
Fire survivor finds a forever home
After that, Presley and I were friends. When I started working in the Adoption Center office, I’d often walk down the hall to Presley’s kennel where he lay in a nest of blankets. He greeted me with a thumping tail and eager grin, then he’d press his face into my hands to beg for an ear massage. He was quite a sight with his plastic cone and bandages.
Later, I visited Presley out in the play yard. Once his paws healed, you’d hardly guess he was a fire survivor. We were all delighted when he was adopted the following year. Our brave fire dog had found a forever home!
Medical staycation at the Sanctuary
Fast-forward to last fall. Presley’s adopter reached out for help–Presley was battling a severe skin condition and she was facing her own health challenges that made it difficult to care for his needs. We offered to give Presley a medical staycation while his adopter cares for her health.
The initial diagnosis was a severe yeast infection. Sanctuary caregivers settled Presley into a Keeper cabin–cozy accommodations for longterm residents–and started him on a regimen of medicated baths and a specialized diet. By January he was looking worlds better. The old spring was in his step and his fur was growing back. Hooray!
Unfortunately, Presley’s skin has recently started acting up again. Caregivers have increased his bath frequency and will schedule bloodwork to look for underlying causes. The recovery of our special needs dog Esperanza from a similar condition gives us hope for Presley.
Despite the irritated skin, Presley is as cheerful and friendly as I remember. He’s a senior now, with a distinguished salt-and-pepper muzzle, but he still loves attention and is eager to enjoy life. Hard to believe it’s been almost five years since I met this heroic fire survivor.
Rescue Ranch makes a lifetime commitment to every dog who passes through our doors. We’re able to provide for Presley’s medical needs through Kitu’s Fund for high-cost and emergency care. Times are tough but we’re honored to help this special boy and his human.
Your support enables us to give dogs like Presley every opportunity to live their best lives. Give to our Kitu’s Fund 2026 campaign today!
