14 days, 26 orphaned and abandoned puppies. The fall puppy season began with a bang! We’ve come to expect a fall/winter surge of unwanted litters from mothers with summer heat cycles. But this year’s surge started early and highlights the challenges we face. We need your support to keep our heads above the water and give each pup a healthy start. Donate to our Wellness Fund today!
Tis the season for abandoned puppies
It began with two boxes of puppies left at the mailboxes outside the Vistas. Eleven 5-week-old puppies, to be exact. Since Animal Control has no space or resources for puppy care, they were turned over to us. We settled them into two whelping sheds at the Sanctuary–boys in one, girls in the other. Our crew dubbed them the Black Tie pups and chose posh names like Hermes and Louis V. Their petite size, pointy ears, and white paws suggest border collie or McNab mix.
Our new pups passed quarantine without a hiccup. They soon surrounded me when I visited for pictures, shy but fascinated. Tiny mouths licked my hands and chewed my shoelaces, and several pups waved their front paws for attention. After what they’ve been through, I marveled at their courage and curiosity.
No sooner were the Black Tie pups settled than County called about two more dumped pups. These little ones were just seven weeks old when dumped beside the freeway on the Anderson grade. It’s mind-boggling. Fortunately, they survived unharmed.
Roly-poly Pumpkin and Spice are completely irresistible. They beg shamelessly for cuddles, so they must have once known kindness. They’re perfect for families with children where they’ll be lavished with love.
Brave little survivor
Not all abandoned pups are as lucky as Pumpkin and Spice. The next day, a kind CHP officer brought us an exhausted shepherd puppy found beside county road A12. Four deceased siblings lay on the road nearby. Sanctuary manager Laura Finley made a nest for Kenzie in the main house and spent the night by her side. Rest, nourishing food, and kindness soon had their effect. Within 24 hours Kenzie was up on her feet and exploring the house.
Laura says Kenzie’s a spoiled child, and deservedly so. She’s small but valiant, easily cowing an older foster sibling when he got too rowdy. I scooped her up and she covered my face with kisses.
Twelve more orphaned and abandoned puppies
Fourteen puppies in a week and we were just getting started! Five days later we took in twelve more. First came six orphaned pups barely two weeks old. Apparently their mother was killed for marauding chickens on a neighboring farm. A kind community member intervened and brought the newborn pups to us.
Bottle babies are a major undertaking but three caregivers stepped up to share the labor. A week in and our orphans are thriving! Their eyes have opened and they’re eagerly squeaking for meals.
Later that day, two Ranch employees were driving near Orr Lake when they saw a stray dog. She was rail thin and heavy with milk. They followed her into the woods to an abandoned dog house half buried in pine needles. Six tiny puppies, eyes just open, were nestled inside.
Momma Florence and her pups are now safe in a Sanctuary whelping shed. Florence is very protective and no wonder. When I entered the shed, she slipped in and stood between me and her puppies. The mixture of humility and warning in her eyes was heartbreaking. I sat down in the corner and she stretched out beside me, facing her babies. Even after two days of good food, every bone on her back was visible.
As I stroked her gently, I told Florence her struggle was over and her trust will never be betrayed again. She relaxed, and I think she enjoyed the attention. But a low growl when I rose warned me that she was still on duty. With time and kindness, Florence will regain her trust and be ready to start life anew.
Help save orphaned and abandoned puppies–give today!
Siskiyou County has a limited safety net for unwanted puppies. Rampant pet abandonment, especially at the end of the marijuana growing season, and low spay/neuter rates continue to challenge our resources. Almost all local orphaned and abandoned puppies come our way. To get through the season we need the support of our community more than ever before.
You can help by giving to our Wellness Fund! With your support, we’ll give these precious lives the second chance they deserve.
