We’ve highlighted the alarming number of intakes this year in previous posts, but we haven’t specifically discussed the epidemic of dumped dogs. Too many dogs are being abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Thankfully, some survive long enough to be rescued. Like the three puppies in this post, saved by dog-loving locals who called on Rescue Ranch for help.
Outcomes are often terrible for dumped dogs
Before we get to the rescue story, it’s worth noting that most of these situations end tragically. It is irresponsible, cruel, and dangerous to dump a dog, or any animal. There’s no good way to do it, and it’s never the right solution.
In one example from earlier this year, Rescue Ranch and Yreka Animal Control spent days trying to save a panicked, pregnant momma on route 263. Every night, we hoped that she’d make it until the next morning when rescuers could try again.
One day, she ran all the way to town and got lost among the houses. John Golay, Executive Director for Rescue Ranch, waited, hoping she’d come out. She didn’t. That very night, she was hit and killed on the highway. She had returned to “her spot” along 263 where she was dumped. She was probably looking for her humans. It was so terribly sad and frustratingly unnecessary.
Stories like that make our successes bittersweet.
Some dumped dogs get lucky
On May 30, I accompanied John to the intersection of Old State Hwy and Tennant Road after he received a call about three dumped dogs. We met up with Steve and Gail Foxworthy. They, and other concerned locals, had been trying to capture the six-month-old youngsters for days. In an effort to build trust, they had been leaving dog food out and brought bedding, but the dogs remained elusive.
When we arrived, Steve had finally managed to catch one of the two females. There was no sign of her companions. Then, just as we were leaving, we spotted them at the intersection. They had heard our girl’s whimpers coming from the back of the truck and were following.
The male was light yellow like his captured companion, the other female was black and tan. Local ranch owner Loch Jones drove up, and some other dog lovers stopped to help as well. But the pups just wouldn’t come close enough. As we headed back to the sanctuary, John decided to return the next day with kennel panels for a trap.
Two wayward pups finally find safety
John rigged a long wire to open and close the kennel door from a distance. Community members relayed each other, looking for an opportunity to capture the remaining dogs.
According to Loch, on June 1, Steve quickly pulled the door shut behind them as they went for the lunchmeat inside. They panicked. It was “quite a ruckus,” but Gail calmed them down and was even able to pet them. No one else could.
Under the watchful eyes of nearby cows, rescuers struggled to get their captives into the ranch truck. The black and tan girl was easiest but noisy! The boy was another story. John only uses a catch pole when absolutely necessary, but the little guy had already cut his tongue and was in danger of seriously injuring himself. Finally, he was in!
John drove them to the Sanctuary to meet up their long lost sister. By now we had concleuded that they were probably siblings.
Epilogue
Thanks to the efforts of caring locals, the trio is safe and sound. Although the other two will need time to get socialized, the first girl we picked up has already found a home with Raymond, one of the kind people who stopped to help out that first day. Her name is Maeve, and, once she’s spayed, she’ll join his family. That’s one lucky girl!
