Laughter is the Best Medicine for Three Gabbs Dogs

El Dorado Animal Services has room for Aaron, Buddy and Buck thanks to Comic Relief.

By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff

One of the more recent organizations to come to the rescue of the Gabbs dogs is El Dorado County Animal Control, out of South Lake Tahoe, California. Newly reopened with an entirely new facility, Supervising Animal Control Officer, Robert Gerat says they wanted to give back to the rescue community after other shelters helped with their own animals just a few months back. The lucky beneficiaries of this rescue are Buddy (formerly Sammy), and Buck (formerly Buster) and Aaron.

“They are not as unsocialized as I thought they might be,” says Gerat. “They’re really nice dogs.” They may be great dogs, but when they first arrived at their shelter, they did not smell too pleasant. In fact, it took a groomer eight full hours to properly clean the trio, so that their outer attractiveness matched their inner beauty.

Buddy is the most timid of the three. Per kennel worker Susan Baumflek, he seems to be “shell shocked by what has happened.” Who can blame him? He has spent most, if not all, of his life in his pen at Gabbs. Upheaval, even if it is to a better place, is still traumatic. Though Buddy still does not like to be leashed, he is learning, and will now take strolls with shelter volunteers. He lives in the quietest section of the kennels because he is intimidated by the barking.

In only a short time, he has started to show signs of progress; he will come over for a cookie and wags just the tip of his tail. Now he has even begun to come up to the front of his kennel for attention, though he will still try to hide if you open the door. These examples show great progress toward his socialization and ability to adjust for life in his future forever home. Baumflek attempted to take him for a sleepover at her own house; however, placing him in the car proved to be a bit too much. So instead the she will start getting Buddy accustomed to car rides before graduating to a field trip to her home.

Buck was initially so shy, they had to climb into his crate to get a leash on him and then he had to be carried to the car. He must have quickly come to the realization that people are not so bad, because only three days later, he was walking on a leash (although he is still uncomfortable with having the leash put on him). Once leashed though, he is ready to go.

Despite not understanding the bathing process, he took well to his grooming session. Now Baumflek says, “He’s just the most stunning dog, he just glows.” He still carries some emotional scars and though he very politely takes cookies and treats from folks, he will not eat them and instead deposits them (along with any leftover dinner) into a corner of his kennel. The day when Buck can enjoy a biscuit straight out of the loving hand of his future guardian will certainly be a celebration.

Aaron is described as a “Velcro dog” by Baumflek. He is a true sweetheart who likes to remain close. Though he cleaned up beautifully, prior to his grooming, he was so matted he looked as though he was sporting dreadlocks. It is no wonder that he seemed to enjoy the clean up; he must feel so much better now.

Aaron’s good manners shine and he managed charm himself into an adoption already. His new family has two dogs, including a rescued greyhound ex-racer, so they know how to accommodate to the special needs of a dog that is not accustomed to living in a home environment. Ironically, Aaron is heading back to a home in Nevada, just not back to Gabbs. Pleased with his new family, Baumflek says, “He left happy, with a wagging tail.”

Comedy and animals – a beautiful partnership
Transfer to this new shelter in California has been a fabulous opportunity for these three Gabbs dogs. Only just reopened in late December, the new facility is a fantastic example of networking and collaboration to help benefit animals.

Last year, the El Dorado County Animal Control South Lake Tahoe Shelter was slated for a simple remodel. The contractor realized that with an additional $155,000 beyond the funds already allotted for the project, they could demolish the old shelter and construct a totally new state-of-the art facility. Fortunately, their architect has connections in the entertainment industry. He put shelter representatives in contact with Bob Zmuda, the President of Comic Relief, who coincidentally lives in South Lake Tahoe.


Though mainly known for their telethons for homeless people, in 2006 the 20 year anniversary of Comic Relief provided funds to assist people and animals affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Years later, many of the animals rescued during that time period are still in Louisiana shelters waiting for their forever homes. Partnering with El Dorado County Animal Control, an adoption outlet has been found.

Comic Relief donated the additional money needed to completely rebuild the shelter. In exchange, a Hurricane Katrina cat and dog will be transported to the California shelter for a better chance at a new home and life. As each one is adopted, another will be brought in from Louisiana, courtesy of Comic Relief. In addition, the new facility will provide office space for Comic Relief WILD, the non-profit’s division which benefits endangered wildlife rescue.

Construction of the new facility began in May 2007. While they were initially able to house animals and work out of trailers, eventually they came to the point in October when no shelter was available, and they were forced to board their animals for approximately two months.

The new facility opened in December and improvements include a glass walled enclosure for the cats that can be seen from the lobby, cat and dog quarantine rooms, a covered dog run, and even hydronic floor heating for the indoor dog kennels. Though the shelter is complete and functioning, the Grand Opening celebration will need to wait until a spring thaw. “I’m very happy for the animals and that we are more comfortable in the new facility,” said Gerat. “I’m looking forward to our relationship with Comic Relief.”


How you can help:
• Donate items on the shelter’s Wish List.
• Volunteer to help at the shelter. Although they have maintained steadfast volunteers, due to the long construction process, some have not returned. They need assistance with walking dogs, socializing cats, grooming, and more. Want to help from your own home? Consider fostering animals too young, sick, or under-socialized for adoption.
• Adopt one of the many deserving animals, including Buddy and Buck.

For more information:
• Discussion Points for Consideration of Comic Relief Proposal

El Dorado County Animal Control – South Lake Tahoe
1120 Shakori
South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
Phone: 530-577-1766

• El Dorado County Animal Control manages a second shelter for cats, dogs, and even a few horses as well.

El Dorado County Animal Control – Placerville
511 Placerville Drive
Placerville, California 95667
Phone: 530-621-5795

Photo credits: Photo of Buddy taken by Christine Wenham. Lead photo of Aaron, with his new Dad, taken by Susan Baumflek. The remainder of photos provided courtesy of El Dorado County Animal Control.