Nestled on the corner of Territorial and Fleck Roads on five pastoral acres is a place where dogs who have not known much in the way of love and happiness can get a second chance at life. Operated by Judi Sanders, Many Miles to Home offers bully breeds, cattle dogs, guardian dogs, and other extra and extra, extra-large dogs a chance to learn what life is supposed to be after being failed by those who were supposed to care for them.
Originally, Sanders agreed to take in a pair of puppies, but a week later, she had a mama with ten pups in her care and Many Miles to Home was officially begun. Many of the dogs taken in since then have come from kill shelters in California. Still other dogs are owner surrendered. All dogs that come into the rescue’s care are given time to get to know their new surroundings and their temperament is then tested to see how they react with food and children. Obedience training is also provided, and the dogs are taken to the veterinarian for whatever treatment they need, including being spayed or neutered. One such dog is Soleil. Rescued from the Stanislaus shelter 30 minutes before euthanasia, it was hoped that her eyes were red from allergies, but she has been diagnosed instead with double entropion that needs immediate repair. She is under the care of a veterinarian so this painful condition can be remedied, but the rescue is unfortunately, $450 shy of making the bill. The rescue, which has done so much for so many dogs that otherwise would have had their lives prematurely ended, needs help. Not only is money an issue these days, but Many Miles to Home also needs volunteers. Currently, there are only two volunteers, Kristie Ann Kilcullen and Elizabeth Ramsdel, who assist Judi and more help is needed to give these dogs what they need in order to have the lives they deserve. Along with feeding and cleaning up after the dogs, volunteers are needed to play with the dogs and exercise them, take them for walks about the property and keep watch while their kennel is cleaned. Because the rescue is currently so shorthanded, there is no time to train the adolescents in their care, so they lose out on learning how to be good companions. Without training, it is also a challenge to herd them back into their kennels when they would rather stay out and play a bit longer. Volunteers need to be over 18 and must be willing to sign a liability waiver. The rescue naturally wants responsible, reliable people to assist and is especially interested in having men train to volunteer as many of the dogs have had previous bad experiences with men and it would be beneficial for them to see that not all men are going to harm them. Children are absolutely not allowed. Volunteer hours can be flexible, and afternoons are most needed. People need to realize that the work is not going to be “soft and cuddly” as there have been those individuals who have come to volunteer and have quickly become disillusioned when they see it’s not what they had envisioned. However, the work is very rewarding and volunteers at the rescue are privy to being able to witness a broken, skinny, traumatized dog blossom with proper care and become happy and healthy. If volunteering is something one is unable to do, there are also other ways to help. Many Miles to Home is in need of donations of Pure Balance Chicken and Rice dog food from Walmart as pitties and pit mixes are unable to tolerate other food with filler such as corn. Bleach is also needed to disinfect the kennels to prevent parvovirus and kennel cough as is bedding since old bedding is removed once a dog is adopted into a forever home. Pillows, however, are discouraged as they become quickly masticated. Toys are welcome and so is money. To inquire about volunteering or donating, one only needs to send a DM on Facebook. For those unafraid of hard work and willing to give their time to dogs in need, perhaps even give their heart to these canines who have known such turmoil in their lives, it can be one of the best things they have ever done. They will make a difference in countless lives while dogs get the much-needed chance to see that life doesn’t have to involve overbreeding, physical abuse, hunger, fear, pain, and loneliness. They will get to show these dogs what love is and how good it feels to have a full stomach and a place to just be a dog. They don’t ask for much, these dogs, but with a little help and a lot of love, they can learn that life can be more than just survival from one day to the next. In fact, it can actually be pretty darn good.
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