A grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation will advance the creation and expansion of California Paws Rescue Ranch and Rehabilitation Center in Whitewater. When complete, the Ranch will accommodate up to 60 dogs with individual units and on-site caretakers.
“This Ranch is truly a dream come true,” said Lori Weiner, Founder of California Paws Rescue. “I am so grateful to the Berger Foundation, KESQ and the many donors and volunteers that have made this unique project possible so that California Paws Rescue can do its part to help with the current national shelter overcrowding crisis.”
Weiner founded California Paws Rescue in 2011, and since then, the organization has saved and adopted out 1,500 at-risk, death-row dogs with the help of volunteers by providing safe environments, healthcare and training. The organization reaches out to underserved shelters to help lost, abused, abandoned, special needs and behavioral dogs, many of which suffered traumatic experiences. The 6-acre rehabilitation space is a sanctuary for the animals and helps prepare them for adoption with socialization training.
“California Paws Rescue Ranch and Rehabilitation Center is saving dogs from euthanasia for the benefit of both the animals and the families that provide them forever homes,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “Their program is very different from anything else in the area.”
So far, the organization has completed phase one of the Ranch, where ten dogs are currently living and receiving veterinary services and training. The completed project will include play yards, (60) 8×12-foot insulated dog cottages complete with air conditioners, agility equipment, plus pools for exercise and mental and physical stimulation.
“California Paws Rescue is giving dogs a special space where they can recuperate after being rescued from poor living conditions or from tight quarters at shelters,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2.
California Paws Rescue was featured on News Channel 3’s “Eye on the Desert,” in public service announcements and on kesq.com throughout the month of May. To learn more about California Paws Rescue and its Ranch and Rehabilitation Center, go to www.californiapawsrescue.org or call 760-656-3833.
