Advocacy
The Ranch is committed to reducing the number of animals entering the rescue system by providing educational experiences to the community.
One of the ways we accomplish this is our Ownership Awareness program for potential caretakers of a new pet. This program gives the owner a chance to learn about and handle the type of animal that they might own before making a commitment to one. Our hope is that properly informed people will make more responsible decisions so that they do not end up with an unwanted pet. Please read more about Ownership Awareness on the Programs page.
Another way that our organization promotes responsible care taking and compassion is through special events. For example, we provide gatherings such as Art Among the Animals to promote healthy encounters and information about animals. In the spring, we host Easter at The Ranch for animal gifting awareness. Commonly, baby rabbits, chicks, ducklings, and guinea pigs are given as Easter presents only to be abandoned months later. By creating an event for kids to come and interact with these animals, we hope that they will not be inappropriately gifted.
Our goal is to provide the experiences and information to improve upon animal guardianship both individually and as a community. We offer care-taking tips and advice on our blog, as well as, our Facebook page. In addition, our organization works with and promotes for other animal welfare groups working towards the same goal.
One of the ways we accomplish this is our Ownership Awareness program for potential caretakers of a new pet. This program gives the owner a chance to learn about and handle the type of animal that they might own before making a commitment to one. Our hope is that properly informed people will make more responsible decisions so that they do not end up with an unwanted pet. Please read more about Ownership Awareness on the Programs page.
Another way that our organization promotes responsible care taking and compassion is through special events. For example, we provide gatherings such as Art Among the Animals to promote healthy encounters and information about animals. In the spring, we host Easter at The Ranch for animal gifting awareness. Commonly, baby rabbits, chicks, ducklings, and guinea pigs are given as Easter presents only to be abandoned months later. By creating an event for kids to come and interact with these animals, we hope that they will not be inappropriately gifted.
Our goal is to provide the experiences and information to improve upon animal guardianship both individually and as a community. We offer care-taking tips and advice on our blog, as well as, our Facebook page. In addition, our organization works with and promotes for other animal welfare groups working towards the same goal.
Small Animal Mentors
Unfortunately, rabbits are one of the most euthanized animals due to overcrowding at shelters. The common misconception is that they are a "good starter pet". While guinea pigs are easier to care for, they too are often neglected and abandoned. Most people don't know that rabbits require as much attention as a dog and have similar behavioral needs. They should also have veterinary assessments much like a cat or dog. Rabbits and guinea pigs are fragile; therefore, multiple habitat considerations must be made in order to have a happy and healthy pet.
Professor Potbelly
Meet Lillian, our female potbellied pig. Lily is a wonderful advocate for pig compassion. She teaches people how intelligent, personal, and complex these creatures truly are. She has helped other pigs both large and small by being a part of our team. Volunteers have stopped eating pork after learning about emotional, sentient, and self aware pigs are. She has also helped educate people interested in owning a potbellied pig as a pet. The myth of the "micro mini" and "tea cup pig" has been detrimental to this breed. Backyard breeders use the smallest and sickliest pigs to create smaller versions of a true potbelly. This can create growth abnormalities, behavioral problems, health conditions and shorter life spans. We encourage anyone contemplating pig ownership to meet Lily and do their research.
A Cause for Canines
Sadly, "Man's Best Friend" has been one of the most abused, neglected, and euthanized animals. The good news is that awareness to the lack of responsibility and overpopulation has made leaps and bounds over the last few years. Our local agency, Ventura County Animal Services, is making an amazing effort to remain a "no-kill shelter". To assist them with their goal, we help reduce overcrowding by pulling animals from their shelter on a case by case basis. We also promote local canines in need of foster care or adoptive families. In addition, our organization provides advice or referrals for care taking, training, and rescue.
Please visit our blog to read about Rocco and how he is making a difference! For more information about the different causes to support canines, please visit the ASPCA or Humane Society websites.
Please visit our blog to read about Rocco and how he is making a difference! For more information about the different causes to support canines, please visit the ASPCA or Humane Society websites.
Equine Mentors
Throughout history, horses remain unrivaled for their contribution to man's progression and success. They have brought us to new lands, helped develop communities, and have died in battle next to our soldiers. Today they are working members of law enforcement teams, professional athletes, members of the family, and so much more. Regrettably, horses are also one of the most betrayed animals in history because of the lack of gratitude and honor we have shown for their contributions. Besides the abuse, neglect, and abandonment, horses are slaughtered for meat and by-products. They also fall victim to our methods of success in sports and entertainment. Even the wild horses are not safe due to routine round ups for euthanasia.
Our organization knows that humans can do better than this. The sad truth is that most people don't even know that these atrocities are occurring. We hope that providing information will raise awareness and compassion for horses everywhere. We encourage people to spend time with the horses at our ranch to experience firsthand how amazing this creature truly is!
Our facility currently cares for mini horses, once wild horses, burros, and local rescued equines. In addition to enjoying sanctuary life, some of our horses have become Equine Ambassadors in the community. These special horses visit places such as our local senior facilities and the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento. In addition to their community outreach, our horses also create valuable experiences on site for all of our visitors. Especially, the participants of our Autism Support Program and the kids of CASA El Dorado County.
Our organization knows that humans can do better than this. The sad truth is that most people don't even know that these atrocities are occurring. We hope that providing information will raise awareness and compassion for horses everywhere. We encourage people to spend time with the horses at our ranch to experience firsthand how amazing this creature truly is!
Our facility currently cares for mini horses, once wild horses, burros, and local rescued equines. In addition to enjoying sanctuary life, some of our horses have become Equine Ambassadors in the community. These special horses visit places such as our local senior facilities and the Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento. In addition to their community outreach, our horses also create valuable experiences on site for all of our visitors. Especially, the participants of our Autism Support Program and the kids of CASA El Dorado County.
Parrot Perspective
Exotic pets, such as parrots, definitely have allure. However, uninformed and inexperienced owners are often left in less than desirable situations with these types of animal companions. Parrots are very high needs pets and their well being rests on a complex and fragile balance of care. Understandably, parrot ownership is very attractive due to their bright colors, ability to talk, and interactive personalities. Unfortunately though, when things go wrong, they are featherless, demanding, and aggressive. Commonly, parrots are "set free" or abandoned at rescues. These organizations are then left with un-adoptable parrots with long lifespans and high maintenance care.
We cannot express the importance of researching animal companions enough. As an organization, we also discourage owning exotic pets because of their high maintenance needs and the terrible practices that make them available for sale.
We cannot express the importance of researching animal companions enough. As an organization, we also discourage owning exotic pets because of their high maintenance needs and the terrible practices that make them available for sale.
Teachings of a Tortoise
Baby animals are irresistible but a tortoise hatchling will really steal your heart! Many people love the idea of raising a tortoise and plan on providing a long well cared for life. However, as with many animals, it is an intention that is easier said than done.
Tortoises have very specific habitat and diet requirements. Factors to control include temperature and humidity to sun and soaking. Tortoises are easy to acquire but they can be hard to rehome. For example, adult African Sulcata tortoises live approximately 70 years or more and end up weighing close 100 pounds. An animal that size with strength behind that much weight will damage a backyard and home without the proper enclosure considerations.
Improper diet is another common mistake that inexperienced owners make. Humans like to show their love by providing food to their companions. When correctly researched, that isn't a problem. A healthy tortoise diet is mainly grass, hay, and weeds. Treats include cactus pads, hibiscus flowers, mulberry leaves, and more. Treats from the household fridge such as strawberries, spinach, and other common fruits or vegetables should be a very rare offering.
Before acquiring an animal, a responsible pet owner must consider the needs of the animal for the entire duration of life. There are many health considerations to navigate and not all resources are reliable and fact based. Additionally, not all veterinarians will treat tortoises so make sure you have a doctor picked out from the beginning.
Tortoises have very specific habitat and diet requirements. Factors to control include temperature and humidity to sun and soaking. Tortoises are easy to acquire but they can be hard to rehome. For example, adult African Sulcata tortoises live approximately 70 years or more and end up weighing close 100 pounds. An animal that size with strength behind that much weight will damage a backyard and home without the proper enclosure considerations.
Improper diet is another common mistake that inexperienced owners make. Humans like to show their love by providing food to their companions. When correctly researched, that isn't a problem. A healthy tortoise diet is mainly grass, hay, and weeds. Treats include cactus pads, hibiscus flowers, mulberry leaves, and more. Treats from the household fridge such as strawberries, spinach, and other common fruits or vegetables should be a very rare offering.
Before acquiring an animal, a responsible pet owner must consider the needs of the animal for the entire duration of life. There are many health considerations to navigate and not all resources are reliable and fact based. Additionally, not all veterinarians will treat tortoises so make sure you have a doctor picked out from the beginning.