The flow of abandoned and unwanted puppies continues unabated. They’re everywhere, it’s an epidemic. Staff work hard to raise healthy, happy pups, and several foster families responded to our appeal for help with socializing older youngsters. Unfortunately, the numbers are still climbing, stretching Rescue Ranch resources to the brink. The more dogs we take in, the more resources we need, and that goes double for puppies. You can help by becoming a monthly sustainer or by making a donation to the general fund.
So many unwanted puppies
Since we last visited the Sanctuary in January, a number of puppies and young dogs have been adopted. That’s the good news. The bad news is that some simply aged out of puppyhood this month, but they’re still with us. And, about two weeks ago, the Sanctuary took in more than 30 puppies of varying ages. That includes 11 healthy pups born to pregnant Pyrenees Rein. Eleven!
Many come with harrowing backstories: Like the litter left in a box on the side of the road. By the time a good samaritan stopped to help, two had escaped their confinment and lay dead on the pavement. Or the puppies born on Christmas day under someone’s porch. They were a day old when they came in. One is still looking for a home. Then there are those dumped at the gate or over the Sanctuary fence. One litter came to us from a domestic violence situation. It is a county-wide problem. A high number come from Animal Control, which is already at capacity and not set up for puppy care.
There are exceptions: An owner from Big Springs, for example, wanted to surrender his litter but also sought to spay his dog, which we were able to facilitate. He was trying to do the right thing. We’re glad he reached out and asked for help. He took responsibility for fixing his situation, he just needed a hand.
There are so many cases, we can’t take them all. What would have happened if Rescue Ranch hadn’t been able to help in these instances? What would be possible if we had the resources to do more?
As of this week, the total complement of Rescue Ranch dogs of all ages is 245. We have 32 in foster and 77 at the Adoption Center. The remaining 136 live at the Sanctuary, including 78 puppies!
Puppies are doing great in the care of dedicated Sanctuary staff
Last Friday, AliCarmen Carico and I traveled to the Sanctuary. The stormy weather, high winds, and intermittent sunlight, coupled with high-energy puppies made for a fun, if challenging, photo session. Just ask Caleb and Sydney!
Most notable about our visit, was how well the puppies are doing. Some were bolder than others, but even the more timid ones were friendly and accessible. A husky puppy, whose untreated broken leg had healed crooked by the time he reached us, was just as joyful and engaged as his siblings.
These positive outcomes are down to Sanctuary staff, particularly primary puppy caregivers Operations Manager Laura Finley and staff member Caleb Armstrong. Med tech, Sydney Palmer also sees to their wellbeing. One fun innovation is the addition of Pyrenees nannies to the puppy program. They’ll be the focus of an upcoming article.
“Big or small I love ’em all,” says Caleb, adding that he truly enjoys his work. “On the exhausting days, I keep showing up because I feel really passionate about helping these dogs, especially the puppies. I just want to be that advocate. Somebody needs to stand up for them. I’m honored to be part of this team, honestly. It’s definitely been a very fulfilling job for me.”
Rescuing unwanted puppies is rewarding but strains resources
The truth is that raising large numbers of healthy, happy puppies is even more time-consuming and resource-intensive than caring for adult dogs, whose own needs are no small matter.
As we visited with different groups of enthusiastic puppies, and old friends like Romeo and Calypso (yes, they’re still waiting!), Laura discussed the challenge posed by the constant influx of unwanted puppies.
All dogs need love and care. They all require clean, safe, secure encolosures, and protection from the elements. But puppies and nursing moms typically require more food, cleaning, laundry, healthcare, and human interaction to thrive. They also need additional infrastructure. And this impacts our resources across the board, from day-to-day operations to future planning.
Staff have been hard at work creating dedicated puppy areas. The Sanctuary has several whelping sheds near the main house, but older pups need their owns areas, separate from the adult population. Although there is still work to be done, Puppy Town is finally in use. Each indoor/outdoor unit connects to a common area where puppies can socialize. Quarantined puppies are kept separate from the general population. And larger, even older pups occupy other yards. On Laura’s wishlist for Puppy Town: an integrated heating system for all units. Currently heaters draw on power across the way, but it’s an imperfect, temporary fix.
Nothing goes to waste at the Sanctuary, materials from former horse enclosures are systematically reclaimed to build barriers, shelters, puppy units, and more. Staff even repurposed the tumbleweeds to serve as effective visual barriers between yards. Seen here between another long-time resident shepherd Teto and corgi-heeler mix puppy-momma, Mel. But the Sanctuary still needs to purchase fencing and other building supplies, not to mention all the consumables that must be replenished regularly. Then there are the infrastructure upgrades and human resources required to accomodate rising numbers. It’s a challenge.
Please support our mission and save lives
In summary, Rescue Ranch is facing an array of resource challenges created by the growing number of unwanted puppies and dogs in need. With your support, we will overcome these obstacles and fulfill our life-saving mission.
- One of the most effective ways to support our work is to join the Kennel Squad Monthly Sustainer Program. Your monthly gift will always go where it is most needed.
- Not ready to join but still want to help? No problem! Your one-time donation to the General Fund will also go toward our greatest need.
Whatever the amount or frequency, we are always deeply grateful for your support.
