At Kindness Ranch, we frequently field inquiries about our rehabilitation process. 'Rehabilitation' is defined as "the process of returning to a healthy or good way of life", yet these beings bred exclusively for research, have never experienced a life resembling what we would consider normal for dogs. They lack the cultural knowledge passed down through generations, living in environments so controlled that anything beyond primal instincts is stifled. Thus, traditional rehabilitation is not feasible for them. They must be taught how to be dogs, as they've never had the opportunity to learn.
When these animals transition from research facilities to our sanctuary, they are introduced to an entirely foreign environment. They are unfamiliar with the sights, sounds, and routines of a typical household. Our role isn't to reintroduce them to a former life; it's to guide them through the process of adapting to a new one.
Our approach emphasizes gradual acclimatization. In our experience rushing these animals into unfamiliar surroundings can overwhelm their senses, exacerbating fear and withdrawal. We provide them with the time and space to decompress, allowing them to slowly build trust in their new surroundings.
Once a level of comfort is established, we facilitate their integration into social settings. This may involve pairing them with more confident animals who can serve as guides, or utilizing crates for safety during initial interactions. There's no one-size-fits-all approach; each animal requires individualized care, rooted in kindness, patience, and empathy.
Kindness Ranch operates uniquely, collaborating with research facilities to secure the release of animals slated for euthanasia. While some may misconstrue our partnership as an endorsement of these facilities, our aim is simple: to provide alternatives to euthanasia and ensure the well-being of these animals.
Working directly with research facilities enables us to save lives now while others are advocating for long term broader systemic change.
The recent release of animals from research and breeding facilities is cause for celebration, and we applaud other organizations for their efforts in negotiating and ensuring the safe retirement of these amazing souls. It's essential that we come together to acknowledge these victories. As Kindness Ranch often emphasizes, our distinct missions unite us through compassion.
Here at Kindness Ranch, we stand ready to share our expertise and accomplishments with any organization interested in providing care for research animals or individuals seeking to adopt them. With nearly two decades of experience, our approach, centered on decompression, comfortable housing, and socialization, has consistently yielded positive outcomes. We measure success not just by our achievements but by the collective welfare of all involved.
If you have inquiries, seek deeper insights into our practices, or wish to arrange a visit to our sanctuary, please don't hesitate to reach out. We welcome the opportunity to connect and collaborate in support of our shared desires for positive outcomes.
executivedirector@kindnessranch.org
or
info@kindnessranch.org
John Ramer
Executive Director