Ruger's Rescues

Ruger's Rescues is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization. We're 100% donation-funded and volunteer-run. We specialize in: 1. Pulling euthanasia-listed animals from high-kill shelters and providing them a fun freedom ride to a loving and safe home; and 2. Boots-on-the-ground outreach to feed and keep safe animals and pet owners in need. Meet Ruger: Ruger wasn't on this earth or in my life for nearly as long as he should have been, but he was my absolute love and the most important thing in my world. I miss him every single day. In true rescue story fashion, Ruger had a really tough go before I adopted him, but still the sweetest, most trusting boy. He came to me with barely any teeth left, likely from chewing on rocks to survive, and full of scars, both physical and hidden. Despite what he went through, he loved all people, dogs, and cats. So silly, and the most gentle, but my best friend and protector. Ruger was a Pit Bull/Mastiff mix, but mostly just a 105 pound lap dog full of drool. I adopted Ruger from the Lompoc shelter in California - A small city on the Central Coast in Santa Barbara County. That afternoon, I went with some coworkers to an adoption-themed street fair/farmer's market. I had been thinking about adopting, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. When we arrived at the event, I purposely sat on the ground just outside the gate where the pups would walk out. Out came a giant, dirty, scarred, and scabbed drooly boy with a tail that will kill you going 100 mph. He walked right over to me and licked the side of my face. The rest is history. Ruger was a beach lover, a 1st place award winner, a Lakers fan, and could have taken the Gold for record toy-destroying time. He loved the outdoors and had the best smile. Ruger melted the heart of every member on the Ruger’s Rescues team; he especially loved his aunties. In January 2019, we were out running errands, and when we got back home, he couldn't get out of the car. His back legs weren't working, but he didn't seem to be in any pain. A hysterical rush to the ER led to 3 heart taps that night, as blood was pooling around that big heart of his. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. For those that don't know, hemangiosarcoma is cancer of the blood vessels and the number one taker of our pups. It's just about 100% fatal. 10 days after his diagnosis, the night of his first chemotherapy treatment, and 10 days before his 7th birthday, my boy crossed the Rainbow Bridge. His heart couldn't take all the love he had to give. Every time I see a rainbow, I know he's stopping by to check on me and say hi 💛 Cue the beginning of Ruger's Rescues. One day, we'll have a large property with space for a sanctuary. Until then, we always knew that there were immediate ways to make a huge difference. I think we found it. - Ruger's Rescues is for those organizations that don't have anyone available for an urgent pick-up to pull a euthanasia-listed animal from a high-kill shelter. - Ruger's Rescues is for those individuals and families up and down the state (and even in other states) that found that special one, but are unable to get to the shelter in time or transport them home. - Ruger's Rescues is definitely for those individuals who want to rescue an animal in urgent need, but the one they fell in love with can only be released to a rescue. No animal or future rescuer should ever be stuck in this situation. - Ruger's Rescues is absolutely for those struggling pet owners that need help taking care of their best friend. This is why we do what we do; because every animal deserves an angel! We pull, we transport, we feed and keep warn, and we help to slowly dismantle euthanasia lists.