One Month Update
From their heroic rescue from just outside the encroaching Larch Creek wildfire to their arrival at Oregon Humane Society, the rescued dogs have been lovingly cared for by staff and volunteers—including gentle, thorough grooming to remove the heavy smoke and debris that clung to their fur.
Wonderfully, from the group, Lovebug and Tunnel King have already been adopted and are settling in with their loving new families. Cornbread is another currently available pup looking for his new family—check him out here!
“All the dogs are making incredible progress,” shared Tanya Roberts, Training and Behavior Director. The remaining dogs are currently working closely with the behavior team to build their leash and handling skills within the calming environment of our Behavior and Rescue Center until they, too, are ready to find loving families of their own. While these sweet dogs receive all the care and time they need to rest and recover, you can help support them and other OHS shelter pets by donating today. Your gift makes lifesaving rescues like this possible.
OHS Teams Up with Columbia Gorge Humane Society
At the request of The Dalles Police Department’s Animal Control Officer and in partnership with Columbia Gorge Humane Society, a team from Oregon Humane Society rescued 19 dogs who were living in a remote area of Wasco County affected by the Larch Creek Fire.
The situation was urgent. The dogs were living outside–some roaming free and others in makeshift kennels. Their owner was no longer able to care for them and contacted Columbia Gorge Humane Society for help. Within hours, four OHS staff members and the OHS Second Chance vehicle were en route.
After driving down miles of gravel road, the team arrived at the remote property and began working with a representative from Columbia Gorge Humane Society and the Animal Control Officer from The Dalles Police Department to catch the dogs and bring them to safety.
The dogs were terrified. Amid the blistering heat and smoke-filled air, our team spent hours crawling under structures, searching the property, gently coaxing the dogs, and earning their trust. Eventually,19 dogs were safely in crates and loaded up into our air-conditioned transport vehicle.
Rest and Recovery at the Behavior and Rescue Center
With the main shelter at OHS’ Portland Campus—which was already caring for more than 300 animals—staff quickly mobilized to prepare the kennels at the Behavior and Rescue Center for the dogs’ arrival. The dogs would need a calm, quiet space to recover from their trauma.
When the Second Chance vehicle arrived at the BRC, the lingering smell of smoke wafted out as the van door opened. Each dog was placed in a kennel in the air-conditioned building and received a comfy bed, bowl of food, and fresh water.
Now, almost a week later, some of the dogs’ personalities are starting to come out as they begin to relax in the calming environment. Animal care staff, behavior experts, and volunteers are spending time with each of them to learn their needs and help them become more comfortable and confident.
“Situations like this demonstrate why we built the Behavior and Rescue Center,” says Chase Patterson, OHS Vice President of Operations. “We are able to mobilize quickly and assist during disasters and crisis situations thanks to this purpose-built facility and the incredible hard work of our staff and volunteers.”
OHS’ Behavior and Rescue Center opened in December 2022 and was designed to serve two purposes. One half of the building houses animals in the Behavior Modification Program and the other half, known as the Rescue Center, includes flexible space ready to accommodate transports of pets from crisis situations. Last August, the building received close to 100 cats from Maui Humane Society after devastating wildfires. More recently, the space was used to receive 60 dogs from Josephine and Jackson counties after their shelters were experiencing a capacity crisis.
“We are already seeing a very active wildfire season, so having the Rescue Center as a resource for our community is more important than ever,” added Patterson.
How You Can Help
These lifesaving rescues are only possible because of support from animal lovers like you. Your gift today will provide lifesaving resources for animals in need. Please donate today and help pets in crisis.
