Winter weather is tough on Rescue Ranch dogs and their caretakers. Imagine how much harder it is on the strays running loose in Siskiyou County. Recent winter storms and extreme cold have forced hungry stray dogs out into the open as they hunt and forage for food. Over the last few weeks, several of these emaciated strays have made their way to the safety of Rescue Ranch.
Hungry stray dogs run into danger in their search for food
I introduced Trooper, an injured shepherd/malinois mix, in our previous story. Trooper was rescued by a good samaritan and subsequently brought to animal control. He must have been near death when he was found. Our intake photos taken a week later show him rail-thin and exhausted. Despite everything, he managed to wag his tail to greet our staff.
We immediately began Trooper on a regimen of small, frequent meals and arranged for an emergency vet appointment. X-rays revealed a broken leg on one side and a shattered knee on the other. Still too underweight to withstand surgery, he’s on pain meds while he gains strength in the Sanctuary clinic. When he’s ready, Kitu’s Fund will cover his surgery.
I met Trooper a week or so after his arrival and was amazed by his improvement. He greeted me ecstatically and seemed hardly aware of his injuries. His strength is clearly rebounding–he wiggled and grinned like an oversized puppy. When I entered his kennel, he covered my hands with kisses and smooshed himself against me as close as possible.
We suspect Trooper was hit by a car while he ranged in search of food. Hunger may have forced him to keep moving on injured legs until he couldn’t take another step. His survival is heroic, and his love–after all he’s been through–is awe-inspiring. He will be a special companion for a very lucky adopter once he’s fully recovered.
Some strays realize Rescue Ranch Sanctuary is their best option
Fortunately, the other strays we’ve taken in were uninjured. There’s Gryphon, a beautiful German shepherd who showed up with another wanderer on somebody’s property. The starving dogs were trying to break into a chicken coop for their dinner. His buddy eluded capture, but Gryphon surrendered. His intake photos show a defeated, exhausted-looking dog.
Thankfully, Gryphon has recovered energy quickly. He needs to gain another 15 pounds but otherwise looks good and seems to know he’s safe. When I met him, he was zealously focused on his tennis ball. Anyone fancy a super ball dog?
I also met Cash, a smart boy who knew exactly where to find food and shelter. He was discovered trying to get into the Sanctuary property during the deep freeze. He’s already looking worlds better after two weeks of good meals. He’s sweet-tempered and eager for affection. He clearly loves his caretakers!
Also during the deep freeze, Ranch staff member Crissy Seaver found Amka, a striking shepherd/husky mix, running along county road A12. She’s thin but lively and alert. She greeted me happily through her fence but was clearly impatient for staff to bring her dinner.
Finally, there’s Tuff, a young malinois mix recently transferred from animal control, after he was found–you guessed it–running as a stray. He’s vibrantly energetic and enthusiastically friendly. The day I visited, he underwent a wellness exam and received his rabies shot. The vet found evidence of a once-broken rib that has since healed, but otherwise he’s healthy and ready for better days.
Rescue Ranch gives hungry stray dogs a better life
Hungry stray dogs are an epidemic in Siskiyou County. Most are abandoned to fend for themselves or wander out of illegal grows. With county resources extremely limited, their only option for the foreseeable future is the safety of Rescue Ranch. In keeping with our mission, and with the ongoing support of our wonderful community, we’ll continue to provide refuge and hope for these inherently lovable dogs.
