One year after rescue from Nevada ranch, several of these incredible canines still need homes

By Kris Brown, Safe Haven

As featured on National Geographic’s hit television show "Dogtown," 145 dogs were left orphaned at a desert ranch near Gabbs, Nevada when their owner died. Through a collaborative effort on the part of Best Friends Animal Society, United Animal Nations, The Humane Society of the United States, the Nevada Humane Society, and Nevada groups B.A.R.K. and Dog Town Canine Rescue, all the dogs were rescued from the ranch on January 23, 2008. The big truck came and the final 56 dogs (except for Eddie) were taken from the ranch and placed with shelters and rescue groups across Nevada and California.

One year later, many of the Gabbs dogs are still waiting for their forever homes.

Background:
Dama Wirries didn’t start out to be a hoarder. She began taking in homeless animals at her home in Idaho. Over the years she saved and adopted many pets to loving homes. However, in May of 2007, Dama died, suddenly leaving over 140 dogs orphaned in the desert. Family members contacted Best Friends Animal Society, one of the largest and most respected animal sanctuaries in the world. Even a sanctuary of this size; however, could not accommodate an influx of this number of animals at once.

In November, 2007, Best Friends sent out an email requesting help from other shelters and rescue groups. Over the next few weeks, the plight of the Gabbs dogs caught the attention of various rescue or animal welfare groups; however, they were caught in a “catch 22.” Since they were being fed and watered daily by caretakers, and had adequate shelter, they weren’t “in crisis” and couldn’t be “rescued” by the large groups. So members of the local groups continued to make the trip to Gabbs to work on socializing the dogs and rescue the dogs a few at a time for placement until the big groups could step in.

In January 2008, the rain came. The runs were flooded, range cattle and horses moved in and began eating the hay houses and dogs were escaping, running loose and being killed by predators. The dogs were declared officially in crisis and plans were made to remove the remaining 57. On January 23rd, the big truck arrived at the ranch. The dogs were rounded up and crated. Thirty of the dogs were taken to shelters in the Bay area. The other dogs were taken to “Camp Reno” for a month of intensive rehab before they were released to rescue groups.

But the story didn’t end there. Last summer, word went out that several of the Gabbs dogs had failed placement in the shelters and were in danger of being euthanized. Three of the Gabbs dogs were re-rescued by Dog Town Canine Rescue. Dinky, Oscar and Harold joined Buffy and Harvey who were already being cared for by Dog Town volunteers. B.A.R.K. took in the other four endangered dogs. Pinny, Apple, Gabbs and Joe were re-rescued and are now living at Safe Haven Kennel in Yerington. These dogs are not aggressive; the pace of the big city shelters had just been too much for them. Now they are free to complete their socialization and training on “Gabbs’ time.”

Some Gabbs dogs still need your help:
One year later, the ranch is quiet. The mazes of runs and hay houses have long since been torn down. But Gabbs dogs are still waiting for that one perfect person that can make their lives complete.

Check out several of the adoptable Gabbs dogs:

DINKY, OSCAR and HAROLD left the ranch on January 23, 2008. They rode all night in the big truck that took them over the Sierras in a snow storm. The next day, they arrived at a shelter in the Bay Area to begin their new lives. The months progressed, unfortunately, they didn’t. Word got back to Nevada of the dogs’ plight, and arrangements were quickly made to bring them back to safety. Dinky went into foster care with a Dog Town Canine Rescue volunteer. Oscar and Harold went to Dog Town’s facility in Churchill county, Nevada.

DINKY’s foster mom reports, “Dinky has adjusted well to life in a home... plays tags with her foster siblings, sleeps on a bed, plays with toys and even enjoys the many treats. In the last couple of months she has even developed a voice; we hear her bark every now and then, protecting her home. She is very shy still with the humans, but understands we are not going to hurt her. She fears her foster kitty siblings more than her foster mom now.”

OSCAR is one of the “bobble heads.” Because of malnutrition when he was young, or surviving distemper, he has a slight neurological disorder that causes his head to bounce a little when he tries to focus on things, like treats. Lorayn of Dog Town Canine Rescue reports, “Oscar will come right up to me and does a lot of barking when he gets excited. He is still not terribly comfortable being handled, but he will tolerate it. He loves treats and will do almost anything for one. He interacts very well with other dogs and is a very active dog. His head bobbling seems to be getting better, or maybe I'm just used to seeing it? He is pretty good on the leash, although the act of putting a leash on him seems to upset him at first.”

Lorayn says, “HAROLD and Harvey, I would think these two are littermates, very similar in appearance and mannerisms - they're both spooks. Uncomfortable if you get within 10 feet of them, are quick to take flight to avoid human contact. Not at all enticed by food, they are very quiet, never bark, and won't take their eyes off you. Neither seems to want much to do with other dogs, although they do know how to get along - no aggression. I guess it is important to let people know that they cannot rush anything with this type of dog They will come around only once they feel comfortable and have learned to trust, and for some dogs, that can take years. As far as I am concerned, Harvey and Harold will have a home with me forever if that is how things are meant to be.”

For more information on Annie, Oscar and Harold, contact Dog Town Canine Rescue at 775-230-3703 or email dogtownrescue@excite.com.

If you have seen National Geographic’s program about the Gabbs Dogs, APPLE is the one weaseling through the fence. So began his reputation as being an escape artist. Apple was rescued during the final round up of the Gabbs dogs in January. Apple went to "Camp Reno" for a month of intensive rehab before he was released to a shelter in California. After many months of waiting, Apple was adopted, but in a moment of panic, Apple jumped the fence and spent the next week camped out on the beach at Tahoe. Apple was eventually captured and returned to the shelter, but was soon transferred to Safe Haven, where he now lives with his friend Pinny.

Once Apple knows where home is, he now seems content to stay put. Apple can do a trick- jump in the air for a treat. He came up with that on his own. Apple is leash trained and is learning to stay nearby when off lead. Apple would probably do best in a home with other dogs for him to pal around with. He's losing that scared, lost, Gabbs dog look and is learning how to smile. Apple is neutered, micro chipped and up to date on his shots. For more information on Apple, call Safe Haven at 775-463-1842 or email BEV21535@aol.com.

GABBS was named for the place he came from. This boy has not had an easy life. He lived in a run with several dominant dogs. On the day when a representative from the Nevada Humane Society was visiting the ranch, Gabbs was attacked by his run mates and severely injured. He was taken back to the Nevada Humane Society where his wounds were treated and he was taken into the care of David, an animal care manager at the facility. Gabbs learned to be leash trained, to run off lead, was house trained, car trained.... but Gabbs was with left more than physical scars. He is shy, shy, shy and not really comfortable with other dogs.

Gabbs is really a one person dog. Once he warms to that "one person" he is glued to your heel and ready to share your life and bed. But he doesn't need commotion; Gabbs needs a forever home with a quiet patient person who will appreciate that all the sudden he is glad to see you. Gabbs is leash trained, great off lead, house trained, car trained, bed trained... he just needs someone who is willing to commit that there will be no more moves and new homes - that this is forever. Gabbs is neutered, up to date on his shots and just waiting quietly and patiently waiting for that special person to come into his life. For more information on Gabbs, call Safe Haven at 775-465-1842 or email BEV21535@aol.com.

HARVEY was another injured dog that was bought out the day Best Friends was present at Gabbs to do evaluations . After being taken to the Nevada Humane Society for treatment, he was released to Dog Town Canine Rescue. Lorayn of Dog Town says, “Harvey and Harold , I would think these two are littermates, very similar in appearance and mannerisms - they're both spooks. Uncomfortable if you get within 10 feet of them, are quick to take flight to avoid human contact. Not at all enticed by food, they are very quiet, never bark, and won't take their eyes off you. Neither seems to want much to do with other dogs, although they do know how to get along - no aggression. I guess it is important to let people know that they cannot rush anything with this type of dog They will come around only once they feel comfortable and have learned to trust, and for some dogs, that can take years. As far as I am concerned, Harvey and Harold will have a home with me forever if that is how things are meant to be.” For more information on Harvey, Contact Dog Town Canine Rescue at 775-230-3703 or email dogtownrescue@excite.com.

JOE (shown in the lead photo) was rounded up on the day of the big rescue and went to "Camp Reno" for some intensive rehab (he was the only dog injured in the rescue; he bit his own ear) and was eventually released to a rescue facility. Joe was born and raised in the desert. All the sudden, he was locked up for most of the day in a "white room with [no] curtains at the windows" ... for almost five months. However, he is better now after being turned out in an open yard with other dogs to let him detox. He is now in a smaller yard, still with another dog. Joe is not leash trained.... yet. But Joe is now taking treats from humans, playing tug of war with kennel workers and nuzzling hands. He is also learning to take treats through the loop in a slip lead - huge accomplishments for this boy. If you have world of patience and are a dog whisperer by trade, sweet Joe is your dog. For more information on Joe, call Safe Haven at 775-465-1842 or email BEV21535@aol.com.

PINNY was one of the dogs who was rescued in the big round up on a cold winter day. She rode in a big truck with 29 other Gabbs dogs over the Sierras in a snow storm to a shelter in the Bay Area. Quite a terrifying adventure for a dog born and raised on a ranch in the desert with very little human contact. Pinny spent many months at the shelter slowly learning social skills, but her progress wasn't fast enough. Arrangements were quickly made for her to be brought to Safe Haven where she could continue her education. Pinny is leash trained and loves walks. She's a water dog and knows half of fetch. Pinny would do best in an adults-only home, possibly with another dog. Pinny is still a work in progress, but in a quiet home with a patient owner, she would continue to blossom. Pinny is spayed and up to date on her shots. For more information about this pretty girl call Safe Haven at 775-463-1842 or email BEV21535@aol.com.

PRANCER and his brother, Dancer, were dumped on the Gabbs ranch as puppies many years ago on Christmas Eve. Despite being raised far from civilization, Prancer loves people, once he gets to know them. When he is happy to see you, Prancer will dance in place. Prancer left the ranch a few days before the big rescue. He was one of the last four dogs brought out to the Yerington Animal Shelter. When the shelter got crowded, he moved to Dog Town for a while. He has been living at Safe Haven since last May. When he was brought out of Gabbs, his long coat had to be shaved to remove the mats and mud. Even though it was still winter, Prancer was jazzed about his new do. His coat is now growing back long, silky and shiny. Prancer gets along with most other dogs. He is leash trained, loves to go for long walks, and is great off lead. Prancer is a Retriever/Border Collie mix and is about six years old. He is neutered and up to date on his shots. For more information about Prancer, call Safe Haven at 775-463-1842 or email BEV21535@aol.com.

TURTLE (shown to the right)and WINNIE are in foster care. Right now, they are enjoying winter break where they are free to run around the backyard learning to play with other dogs. Once the days get longer and the temperatures warm up, they will go back to work learning to deal with humans and the dreaded leash. Turtle still likes to eat them.

TURTLE left the ranch before the big rescue. As conditions at the ranch became worse, her run mates became aggressive about food and wouldn’t let her eat. There was concern that she might not survive, so she was brought to Safe Haven, then went into foster care.

WINNIE graduated from “Camp Reno” and then was released to a shelter. Like many of the Gabbs dogs, she couldn’t cope with the shelter environment. Shelter workers often found her buried under the blankets in the corner of the kennel. The B.A.R.K. was contacted and Winnie was released to join her sister Turtle in foster care. For more information about Turtle and Winnie, email klbrown@tele-net.net.

The ever elusive EDDIE was one of the free ranging dogs up by the ranch house. On the day of the big rescue, Eddie refused to be captured. No treat was good enough to lure him into the trap. So as the sun set, the big truck drove away leaving Eddie alone on the ranch. For the next few weeks the caretakers continued to feed Eddie, but couldn’t catch him in a run. On February 17, 2008, Linda and Shane Bailey (Dama’s niece and nephew) and a B.A.R.K. volunteer returned to the ranch. With no other dogs around to cause commotion, Eddie finally allowed himself to be captured. Eddie went to Camp Reno just a few days before it closed. The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe agreed to take this last minute addition to the Camp Reno population. Eddie arrived at Truckee-Tahoe wild and terrified, though has since made huge progress. He now goes on walks on a leash pretty much everywhere. He barks, plays with other dogs and comes running up to just about anyone in search of cookies and treats. Eddie is neutered and up to date on his shots. For more information about Eddie contact The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe at 530-587-5948 or email info@hstt.org.

CALLIE (formerly Kumquat) graduated Camp Reno and went with Eddie to The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Like many of the Gabbs dogs, Callie had trouble coping with the shelter environment, even though doted on by the staff and volunteers. In August, Callie went to live with a foster family that had experience with shy girls like Callie (they also have Colin, the oldest dog from the ranch). Callie’s foster mom reports that Callie is now running in the yard with the other dogs. When brought inside for the night, she knows how to ask to be let out and comes when called back in. Callie is still working on accepting the leash, coming to a person when called and coming out of her crate to socialize in the house. For more information about Callie, contact The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe at 530-587-5948 or email info@hstt.org.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Though lacking love and socialization through most of their lives, the dogs rescued from Gabbs make fabulous companions in the right homes. If any dogs are deserving of a second (or third or fourth) chance, these special canines are most certainly in that category. Nanette Cronk of the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe and Callie’s foster mom notes, “Working with them [the Gabbs dogs] has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life!”

If you are interested in any of the dogs listed above, please call or e-mail the applicable organization listed. Not only would you be doing your part to save a wonderful dog, but you would get the love and gratitude of a furr-ever friend.

For more information:

• The Gabbs dogs have been featured on National Geographic’s hit show "Dogtown" in two episodes; “Project Rescue” and “Road to Recovery.”

• To learn more about the Gabbs dogs, go to From Hay Bales to Homes community.

• Read about Reno, one of the shy “bobbleheads” rescued from Gabbs, who had the additional handicap of being deaf. Recently adopted from Best Friends, he now is enjoying the bliss of a loving home. Catch up on what is happening in his life in his blog.

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: courtesy of Kris Brown

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