Keeping 200+ dogs warm in winter isn’t easy–just ask Rescue Ranch staff! It’s a challenge to look after this many dogs at the best of times. And sub-freezing temperatures, deep snow and ice are definitely not the best of times. The last two weeks of winter weather were hard on everybody, especially our dedicated caregivers.
Worrying winter weather and deep freeze
Tuesday, February 11th 4:15 AM. I wake as our central heating clicks on, struggling to maintain 65° indoors. It’s 14° outside. I can almost hear the ice bristling along the frozen rain gutters. The moonlight on the crisp snow is bright but disquieting. This stark winter landscape feels as eerie as the moon.
We expect freezing nights in Siskiyou County from November through March. But last week’s storms left a white blanket as far as the eye can see. Then days of sub-freezing temperatures locked everything in ice.
It’s comforting to know that every Rescue Ranch dog has a roof over his or her head at night. And I know from experience that the entire organization revolves around the welfare of the dogs. But keeping dogs in a shelter environment is never ideal. And new dogs keep arriving, adding to the strain.
For Rescue Ranch staff, no alternative but to make room
Like the 8 new puppies and 4 adults found in the Vistas last week. The pups–two separate litters of 4 each–have a familiar story: a pregnant stray wanders onto a property and whelps. There are few resources for unwanted puppies in Siskiyou County and folks have nowhere else to bring them.
The 4 new adult dogs came to us as strays. Three were clearly starving, and it’s likely that the heavy snow has forced strays out into the open as they search for food. One, now named Trooper, sustained multiple injuries, including a broken leg and a broken knee. He’s still too weak to undergo surgery, so for now he’s on pain meds while he gains weight and strength.
Sadly, county resources are woefully inadequate to the demand. So Rescue Ranch has no alternative but to make room for these unwanted souls. At least we can give them shelter, medical care, nourishing food, and the hope of a family.
Caring for dogs in winter weather
Though they can’t all be inside a heated building at night, Ranch dogs sleep in Cozy Cubes, dog houses, insulated sheds, or the Adoption Center shelter. Puppies, seniors, and adults with thin coats are kept in the warmest spaces. When I visited the Sanctuary before the deep freeze, contractors had just finished wiring more sheds for electricity. Space heaters keep shed interiors at a livable temperature overnight. Needless to say, electricity bills run high during the winter.
Ranch staff do their best to keep the dogs comfortable, but snow and ice make the daily routine more arduous. Every morning, the dogs wake up to a special musher’s breakfast. Donated meat and hearty bones simmer overnight in a crock pot. The broth is served over dry kibble, which helps the dogs rehydrate and reenergize after the bitter nights.
Ranch staff are vigilant as they go about their duties. Breakfast time, yard scooping, enrichment, and dinner time provide opportunities for caregivers to check in with each dog. Anything concerning in their health or behavior is immediately reported and then noted on the medical board.
Then there’s the snow shoveling and water bucket de-icing. In sub-freezing temps, Sanctuary staff must thaw the water buckets twice each day. This process involves loading the “mule” tractor with 5 gallon buckets of hot water and driving around to each pen. With all the extra tasks that must be done, staff are on their feet from dawn to dark. On Tuesday afternoon, the main water pipe in the Sanctuary clinic burst, and it was all hands on deck to get it fixed.
Thaw brings some relief for Rescue Ranch staff
Friday, February 14th 4:15PM. Thaw at last! After a low of 4° two mornings ago, an atmospheric river broke the spell. The temperature rose after dark and the wind shook loose the ice clinging to the branches of the pines. Within 24 hours, icicles had melted and the icy streets were turning to slush. Water is trickling from rooftops and puddling along the roads. It’s muddy at the shelter, but at least the water buckets don’t have to be thawed. Thank goodness!
Winter isn’t over, but this thaw brings a brighter outlook. Our dedicated crew can breathe a sigh of relief as they continue their daily tasks. Just like the return of spring, we all cherish the hope of brighter days ahead for the homeless dogs in our care.
