In some ways, it’s been a tough year: unprecedented intakes of puppies and adults, parvo cases, a decline in adoptions, and two fire emergencies just weeks apart. But we also have a lot to be grateful for at Rescue Ranch this year. We’re especially thankful for incredible adopters and supporters like you.
Adopters
If you’re an adopter, we can’t thank you enough. You give our dogs a second chance at love.
There’s no denying that adoptions are down. There are many contributing factors, such as a changing economic landscape, housing, and devastating fires, among others. That’s why we doubly appreciate this year’s more than 500 adoptions.
Some adopters were local, some regional, and others came from farther afield. One family came down from Oregon in their small plane to pick up their puppy. Another took a commercial flight from Ohio to drive a mature Saint Bernard, Thor, all the way back home in a rented SUV! He’s seen here with Rick Formanek in Sacramento waiting for his adopters. Whatever their stories, no matter where they live, our adopters are the best!
Fosters
Fosters are essential to our work. Some dogs don’t do well in a shelter, like seniors. Some have special needs and require sustained one-on-one attention. Others might need hospice care. All puppies, and some inexperienced adults, benefit from exposure to a home environment before adoption. Our fosters make it all possible.
Donors
We received support from individuals, benefactors, and regional foundations, as well as products and services from local and regional businesses.
If you’re a donor, you gave individual gifts, donated proceeds from an event, joined the Kennel Squad monthly gift program, supported community programs, and, just yesterday, rocked Giving Tuesday 2022! Not to mention your unprecedented response to our appeals during the summer fires: you donated, volunteered, brought supplies, and spread the word. You were amazing.
A generous benefactor also stepped in to spur improvements at the Sanctuary in Big Springs. That facility now plays a critical life-saving role in our operation. Yesterday’s Giving Tuesday donations will help shore up our efforts there.
Volunteers
We couldn’t do it without volunteers. They help with essential chores, walk dogs, create videos to promote adoptables on social media, lend a hand at events, drive dogs to the vet, help with rescue transport, and so much more. Some even choose to spend regular quality time with a particular dog.
Then there’s RRAAP, our spay/neuter assistance program. Our hardworking RRAAP volunteers helped to spay/neuter 134 dogs this year, so far. That’s up from 37 in 2021!
And did you know that the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store is staffed by volunteers? They do a wonderful job. So much so that they have moved to a new, larger location at 827 S Main, in Yreka. You won’t want to miss the Grand Opening on Thursday, December 1, or Santa Paws on Saturday, December 3!
So many generous spirits help us “do it for the dogs.” Yes, there’s a lot to be thankful for at Rescue Ranch this year.
