The Sanctuary has come into its own this year. When I caught up with Rescue Ranch Executive Director John Golay last Friday, we discussed their many accomplishments, and I asked about how they’ve adjusted to the spike in numbers. He replied that they’ve managed, so far, but noted a pressing need for dog houses: “The Sanctuary now averages 125 dogs and it’s getting colder, so if anyone has an old dog house they’d like to donate, we could sure use it,” he said.
The latest from the Sanctuary
Staff have done a great job. More installations are dog-ready and occupied, the whelping sheds are busy, and a new large dog pool is almost ready for action. A number of the new puppy sheds have been constructed, one is already in use, and the ground has been cleared for the completed project. Eventually, the structures will form a weaned puppy village, of sorts, each with dedicated indoor/outdoor spaces and access to a common area enclosed in a perimeter fence.
Old friends and new acquaintances
Coming across longtime residents is always a mixed blessing: it’s wonderful to see them again, but also heartbreaking.
Among these, are hard-to-place special-needs dogs like darling little Ramona, the black and white, ball-of-energy pittie who loves to ride and goes bonkers over the water hose. Or Rodeo, the large, deaf, white bully. Both have been waiting for years. Staff-member Caleb Armstrong, who was watering Junie, informed me that Rodeo and ball-chasing tripod Lydia have really hit it off. They would do great in a home together.
Junie is another deaf, white bully mix. Despite being a loving cuddle bug, she’s also struggling to find someone.
But not all longtimers have special needs; some just seem to fly under the radar. Take Sophie the black shepherd, for example. She would make a wonderful family companion, but she’s been waiting for over a year. Her canine pal that day was Toby, a stunning Aussie mix and a very good boy.
Handsome, young Lee was one of the three dogs flown in by a volunteer pilot in June. His two companions quickly found homes, but not Lee. It’s early days yet, compared to some, but given his great disposition, how is he still here? Lee was hanging out with lovely Jolie, momma to recently weaned puppies.
And, if you’ve followed Noble’s story, you’ll be pleased to see that our resident Kitu’s Fund case has gained weight and his paws are on the mend. He wasn’t too sure about my camera, but enjoyed the liver treats I gave him.
Finally, the puppies were in full form, as usual. The three-month-olds were in a yard near the entrance, while Jolie’s brood were set up in one of the new puppy sheds. Most raced to the fence to see the human, others played it cool.
Winter is coming–My kingdom for a dog house!
Mixed literary references aside, with so many more residents at the Sanctuary, they’ll need more dog houses than ever this winter.
Many people have old dog houses they don’t know what to do with, and a rescue can’t have too many! So if you have one, we’ll gratefully take it off your hands, even if it’s not in pristine condition. We’ll take all kinds, in medium to large sizes. Straw bales are also a great option, so we’d welcome those as well. Or, if you’re looking for a fun fall project to build in your shop or garage, might I suggest a dog house(s)?
