Dog Town Canine Rescue finds foster homes for three Gabbs dogs, forever homes are still needed.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff 
As stated on their website, “Dog Town Canine Rescue is NOT your ordinary dog rescue.” Their all volunteer organization primarily saves dogs from public shelters who are scheduled for euthanization. However, when Dog Town President Lorayn Walser was informed of the predicament of 145 dogs in Gabbs, Nevada, she offered help. “These dogs had no one.” One trip later, she selected three dogs from the same pen; Chester, Katie (formerly Yessa), and Gabby (formerly Shadow).
She explains that the dogs’ basic needs were being met and the main setup was good. Many, although not all, of the dogs were spayed or neutered and the hay bale houses were good protection from the outside elements. However, the dogs were lacking socialization with humans. She said, “They seemed friendly outside the kennel, but became afraid when you got close.” Now her goal is to get these three accustomed to people, rehomed, and rescue more.
Chester
Wasler herself is fostering Chester, an older Dalmatian with an ulcerated cornea. Luckily she has the help of her own personal and foster dogs to help show him the ropes. In fact, once around the other dogs, he began to relax. He seemed so happy when he was brought to her house; she suspects that he may have been a dog with a home before ending up in Gabbs. Wasler notes that “He's doing very well, is trying to ‘counter surf’ and is starting to act like a ‘normal’ dog.” Understandably after living outdoors for so long, he is not housebroken; however, he gets along well with the other dogs, shows no food aggression, and has not chewed any inappropriate items.
Katie 
Katie was one big matted mess when she was first rescued. Now, sporting a nice new trim, she is hardly recognizable as the same dog. Her foster Mom, Dorothy Morrison, believes that she has had a home before. She walks well on a leash, knows the “sit” command, and even believes she is housetrained. Katie was even already spayed, although to the surprise of everyone, she still had her stitches from her surgery, estimated to have been done about two years ago. The sweet girl was very brave and tolerant during the discomfort of their long overdue removal.
Morrison has worked with shelters for about 20 years and specializes in the shy dogs. Right now Katie is displaying some food aggression and wants to be in charge during both canine and human meal time. Morrison is now leashing Katie during supper, to avoid any conflicts. She believes Katie is adapting well and says, “I see no reason to why Katie is not adoptable. If people have the time and patience, these dogs are so rewarding.”
GabbyLike her other adoptable friends, Gabby has improved since she got into a home environment. Gwendolyn Hanneman, who has fostered dogs for about five years, has a soft spot for Australian cattle dogs. So it seemed like fate when she received Gabby, who has a bit of heeler in her. Because Gabby is still so new to the house, she has been in quarantine from the other dogs; however, has yet to have even one accident in the house. Perhaps she had a home at one point in her life.
However she was not used to common household noises after years of living in a quiet desert location. Something as simple as a kitchen faucet originally would cause her to run in fear and the dishwasher “just about sent her into a tizzy” reports Hanneman. Now Gabby is doing much better. “There’s a good dog in there, we just need to bring her out. She just needs a little love to get her out of her shell.” In fact, now one of Gabby’s favorite pastimes is snuggling time on the couch, next to Hanneman.
Each of these three dogs is fortunate enough to be living in a foster home, receiving help in adjusting to every day life occurrences. They are all reported to be improving and are all available for adoption to the right home.
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Katie, prior to her trip to the groomer)
While the holiday season is generally busy, this month is even more so for the Dog Town volunteers. Since its inception approximately four years ago, the non-profit organization has maintained all of its animals in foster homes. This is soon about to change as they purchased 20 acres in Churchill County for a new rescue location, scheduled to open at the end of this month. Once the facility is in full swing, Walser anticipates the organization will take in some additional Gabbs dogs.
How you can help:• Consider adopting one of the many
dogs from Dog Town Canine Rescue. Despite their new facility, there is still limited space. For each rehomed dog, a slot opens that allows them to rescue another animal, including from Gabbs. Offsite adoptions are held twice a month at the Carson City Petco and PetSmart stores.
• Once their new location is open, Wasler “would love people to come out to help feed, clean and socialize.” They could always use more foster homes and transport assistance.
• Donations of hard toys (such as Kongs), blankets (without stuffing), leashes, collars, and bowls are welcomed. Dog Town can also use straw bales, to line the dog houses for winter, which can be purchased at nearby Carson City feed stores.
For more information: •
Dog Town Canine RescuePO Box 2978
Carson City, Nevada 89702
Phone: 775-230-3703
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RGJ.com: Gabbs update: A look at Dog Town Rescue's intakesPhoto credits: provided courtesy of Lorayn Walser, Dorothy Morrison, and Gwendolyn Hanneman.