Rescue Ranch is no stranger to fire. As the designated wildfire evacuation shelter for dogs in Siskiyou County, we’ve been through the stress of disaster response many times. We know that recovery happens more quickly when the whole community comes together to help those affected. That’s why we welcomed 10 dogs from L.A. animal shelters impacted by wildfires earlier this month. It was the natural thing to do.
Animal shelters rely on partner networking during crises
Two days after wildfires erupted in the Los Angeles area, Rescue Ranch reached out to Pasadena Humane. They were completely inundated with pets evacuated or rescued from the Eaton Fire. We know that the biggest challenge for animal shelters during a crisis is making room for evacuees. Unfortunately, the magnitude of the event overwhelmed their communication team. Our message was lost in the confusion.
Later that week, Best Friends Animal Society sent out an SOS to their rescue partners, including Rescue Ranch. They were coordinating a massive effort to move dogs out of L.A. animal shelters to make room for all the evacuated pets. In particular, they urgently needed placement for large breed dogs. We gladly responded that we could take up to 8 dogs at our Sanctuary. Our only stipulation was that they choose hardy dogs with thick coats capable of withstanding winter temperatures. Sanctuary operations manager Laura Finley worried that dogs accustomed to Southern California might be shocked by the transition.
The selection of dogs chosen for Rescue Ranch shifted over the next few days as local rescues, fosters and adopters stepped up to help. The final list included 8 adults ranging in age from 11 months to 7 years. Bruce, RooRoo, Dennis (formerly “Baby Boy”), Ramsey, Jay (formerly “Jax”) and Miles were pulled from L.A. city shelters by Best Friends. Lola and Bounty (formerly “Snickers”) were rescued from the L.A. area by Angel City Pit Bulls. A last minute addition to the crew was a beautiful pair of 6-week-old pyrenees pups, Lula and Lance.
L.A. shelter dogs make the journey to Rescue Ranch
Another hitch was transportation. We couldn’t spare our own transport van for such a long trip. Then the Best Friends shelter was itself put under evacuation warning. At last, early on the 19th of January, Best Friends staff loaded up our 10 dogs and headed north. Two wonderful Rescue Ranch volunteers, Carly Brown and Stephanie Shaidell, met them in Sacramento and took the second half of the journey home.
The rescue transport pulled into the Sanctuary gates at about 6:30 PM that evening. Staff went right to work tucking the nervous, tired dogs into their new accommodations for the night.
Timid Bruce went directly into foster with Carly, while our longtime foster Mary Luton graciously made room for the two young Pyrenees pups in her home.
For the next couple of days, Laura let the newbies quietly decompress while they adjusted to the Sanctuary routine. When I met them less than a week after their arrival, they were thriving and clearly eager for their next chapter. Recent nights have been very cold, and contractors were wiring their sheds for heating that day. But it was a beautiful afternoon and the new dogs were out in their yards enjoying the sun.
Getting to know our L.A. dogs
Our new residents are all friendly and approachable. Exuberant Lola is an overgrown puppy who wanted to climb into my lap when I was standing up. Gentle Jay, a large German shepherd, watched Laura wistfully and followed her like a shadow. He’s already spent two whole years in a shelter. It always amazes me that lovely dogs like Jay and Lola end up in animal shelters to begin with.
Laura introduced me to each of the dogs in turn. Gorgeous Ramsey was shy, but RooRoo frisked around me with incredible vivacity. I could easily see how he earned his name! This eager boy needs something to keep him busy. He’d make a fantastic ranch hand, frisbee dog or agility champion. He tried to stir 11-month-old Bounty up to some fun. But mellow Bounty was content to simply relax in the sun.
We’re all hoping our newbies will quickly find forever families.
Together, we can make a difference for animal shelters everywhere
The outpouring of support for L.A. during this crisis has been inspiring. Thanks to the networking of dog rescue organizations and the families who stepped up to foster or adopt shelter pets, Pasadena Humane successfully placed out all their resident dogs. Wow! Dogs really do bring out the best in us. We know the road to recovery will be long and our hearts are with those affected by the fires. But the tremendous support for the L.A. community brings us hope for animal shelters everywhere. Let’s keep that spirit going!
If you’d like to meet one of our L.A. dogs, call the Ranch at (530)842-0829. You can also browse through our Available Dogs page for more information.
