LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Thanks to the tireless dedication and hard work of a small Lake County rescue organization, thousands of dogs have found new lives with loving families across Northern California.
Orphan Dog began as Lake County Animal Services in 2004, founded by Karen Schaver, a high school teacher and the organization’s director.
Schaver and her husband Mike held three jobs each to make their dream of rescuing dogs happen.
They didn’t wait for the lottery, they worked hard to buy their 80-acre ranch in Lakeport.
The engine behind Orphan Dog, Karen Schaver travels more than 3,000 miles per month for vet care, to and from shelters, picking up and delivering dogs as well as putting on adoption events each Saturday around Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties.
On Sept. 16 and 17, Schaver took dozens of dogs to the Bay Area Pet Fair in Pleasanton.
In addition to taking dogs from her own rescue, the city of Clearlake reported that she took eight from its shelter. Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson said one dog from the county shelter went, as that was all there was available after 13 other dogs went to rescue.
Schaver is highly regarded by local and regional shelters, who often seek her help to cure dogs affected by parvovirus.
Since founding her organization, she has rescued and adopted out 4,000 dogs; all done on a teacher’s salary.
Orphan Dog held one of its Lake County adoption events on Sept. 30 at Lakeport Cinema 5, where there was plenty of shade for the dogs to stay safe and cool.
Orphan Dog’s van arrived piled high with crated dogs and puppies along with metal pens, water, blankets, towels and boxes filled with paperwork and vaccinations; all quickly assembled in military fashion.
Volunteers and prospective adopters helped unload the puppies and adult dogs.
“All animals are spayed, neutered, vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and have 30-day pet insurance,” explained Schaver as she lined each pen with towels.
“Hands need to be cleaned before touching the puppies,” she explained to the crowd as she passed around towelettes.
Potential “parents” milled around the puppy pen, where the puppies were croodling – or nestling – in a big pile.
Schaver gives group names for identification purposes. This litter she dubbed the Star Wars puppies; their breed unknown.
Second shots were administered to the puppies without a whimper. Foster parents brought their foster dogs, hoping for them to be adopted. Several dogs were taken for walks.
Max, a 2-year-old black pointer mix and perfect ball hound, ran himself ragged playing fetch to impress his new forever mom.
Adam Black, a potential adopter, called home to his wife to get the OK to adopt another puppy, his second from Orphan Dog.
She gave him the thumbs up. Then it was decision time; does he adopt the brindle pit puppy or the brown one?
Moose, the lucky brown pit puppy selected and adopted by Black, fell fast asleep in the arms of his new human sister, oblivious that he was about to journey to his new home filled with dogs, horses, miniature donkeys and assorted other animals. Farm life – a great forever home.
Gary, a white and black pit bull, was a favorite for this writer. During his walk, two dogs in one of the pens tried to fight with him. Gary was nonplussed and walked calmly away.
One Star Wars puppy was adopted, along with Moose the pit puppy, Max the pointer mix and Skylar the camera-shy German Shepard. Four total – four that found their new forever families, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Karen Schaver’s Orphan Dog.
To adopt or volunteer, check upcoming Orphan Dog adoption events at http://www.orphandog.org or https://www.facebook.com/OrphanDog/.
Lucy Llewellyn Byard is a freelance writer and photographer. She lives in Lucerne with her dog, Toby.
Orphan Dog gives canines chance for life, love with new families
- Lucy Llewellyn Byard
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