Humane Society of North Lake County

04/01/2026

At the request of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Oregon Humane assisted with the rescue of 17 dogs and 6 cats suffering from suspected neglect at a property in Christmas Valley.

The rescue, which took place on February 5th, was part of a search warrant served by the Lake County Sheriff's Office following a week-long investigation prompted by concerned neighbors.

Four staff members from Oregon Humane traveled to the site and worked alongside deputies to load animals for transport. One puppy in critical condition was immediately transported to the Humane Society of Central Oregon for emergency care, and sadly, three deceased puppies were also recovered and transferred to Oregon Humane's forensic center for necropsy.

We at the North Lake Humane Society want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Lake County Sheriff's Deputies, whose dedication and swift action were instrumental in saving these animals. We also want to thank Oregon Humane Society in Portland for their incredible support—this is the second major rescue event they’ve helped us with, and we couldn’t do this without them.

To the community, we urge you—if you see something, please say something. We are here to help, not to take animals away, but to provide guidance, resources, and care. We do want to note that this year, we may only be able to offer one spay/neuter clinic, as our partners at Street Dog Hero are also overwhelmed right now. But we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to protect and save animals in the county.

02/18/2026

How can it be that Buck is still looking for a home of his own? This 6 year old neutered German Shepherd mix is full of love, devotion and play! He's housebroken, crate trained and likes riding in the car. In other words he is darn near perfect! Could you be the lucky one to add Bucky to your family? Send us a message and share this post!

01/31/2026

01/30/2026

A Small Dog, a Second Chance, and the Power of Foster Care
By Kathy Allen

In September of 2024, my daughter and I were driving through Christmas Valley when something caught my eye. Off to the left, near a hay barn, I noticed a small black-and-white shape far out in the distance—just a little blob that didn’t quite belong there.
At the time, we had heard about a small dog that had been missing for five days and nights, lost out in the sagebrush. The weather had turned cold, and the thought of a little dog alone out there didn’t sit right with us. So we stopped.
What we found was a tiny, exhausted Chihuahua—about 15 pounds—trying to survive. He was eating something that didn’t look fit for any animal, and when we approached, he tried to run, though it was clear he didn’t have much left in him. He was tired. Bone tired.
We circled around and approached the hay barn again. The little dog wedged himself between hay bales, watching us carefully. We happened to have a can of cat food, so I set it down and waited. Slowly, he emerged, hunger winning over fear. As he ate, I took a chance. I reached out and grabbed him, hoping I wouldn’t get bitten.
He didn’t bite me. He just gave up.
I brought him home, and for the next two days, he did little more than sleep. His body was simply worn out. After about a week, he began to recover, and soon after that, his owner came forward—a single woman who loved him but was struggling. I returned him to her, but told her one thing before I left: if she ever couldn’t care for him, to please call me.
About a month later, she did.
That time, when we brought him home, it was for good. His name was Jax, and he wasn’t feeling well at all. His mouth was badly infected, and he desperately needed dental care. Once that was taken care of, something amazing happened—Jax blossomed. He felt better. He became stronger. He became himself.
I had Jax for a year and a half. And I won’t sugarcoat it—he was a grumpy little Chihuahua who didn’t like anyone except me. He loved me fiercely, and I loved him right back. He especially disliked my daughter Becky, and he made sure she knew it. But that was Jax. He had opinions.
As time went on, his health began to decline. And just yesterday, I had to make the hardest decision we ever make for the animals we love. We helped Jax cross the Rainbow Bridge. It was peaceful. Gentle. Full of love. And even in the heartbreak, I know I did the right thing.
Jax’s story is not just about one dog. It’s about what can happen when someone stops, looks twice, and opens their home.
This is why foster care matters.
The Humane Society of North Lake County relies on foster families to save animals like Jax. Foster homes allow dogs who are sick, scared, recovering, elderly, or simply overwhelmed to heal in a safe, warm environment. Fostering gives them a chance they might not otherwise have.
And here’s the most important part: the Humane Society provides everything. All food. All medical care. All supplies. The only thing needed from the foster family is a safe place and love.
That’s it.
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need a big house. You just need a willingness to help.
Jax came into my life when he had nothing left. Because of foster care, he spent his final year and a half warm, cared for, and deeply loved. That is a gift I will always be grateful for.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering—this is your sign. Our community can save more lives if we step up together. Sometimes, all it takes is stopping the car, opening your heart, and saying yes.
For dogs like Jax, that yes means everything.
🐾 Please contact us if you would like to be a Foster! The animals need you.

12/31/2025

Meet Bucky! Your new best friend!
Bucky is 5 year-old neutered German Shepherd with a heart full of love.
He is dog friendly with supervision until they get to know each other. Same with cats and horses.
He listens well, is good in the house and is crate trained.
If you're looking for a close companion who will shower you with affection and loyalty, Bucky may be the perfect fit for you!

Give us a call to set up an appointment to meet Bucky!
Becky (541) 408-1386

12/04/2025

We are seeking donations of dog food, as this time of year is particularly challenging for people and their pets. We have experienced a high demand for dog and cat food. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. You can contact us through this page or visit Becky at Kearns to make a donation. Thank you!

11/10/2025

Cindi update...always, no matter how tired or lazy you feel...always remove the dangle earrings before going to Bed. We (me and 3 dogs) were sound asleep when Cindi stretched. As I was waking up, Cindi started panicking, I grabbed my ear and earring, then the boys jumped in because mommy was in distress. I hollered 'freeze' and everything stopped--12 paws and not one twitch. Cindi's toenail was firmly caught and her paw didn't allow me to remove the earring--I couldn't even break it. Finally, what seemed like hours later with help from cell phone camera, Cindi and I were detached.
This is one example why you teach dogs key words. Freeze--all stop. Leave it--when they have something they shouldnt. ,Mine--not theirs and never will be. Medicine time--We'll talk more about that later...

11/05/2025

Cindi update: Cindi got 'fussy' and wanted to watch a movie...problem: Cindi destroyed the remote in one chomp and the TV doesn't have an on/off button; new TV here on Tuesday. Hang in there Cindi!!!

Cind is teething but even their baby teeth can do damage. Chew toys on order!!

11/04/2025

When you have a puppy in the house, you protect the mattress at all costs! I have a plastic mattress cover, on top of that I have a heavy cotton mattress cover, all covered by water proof (rubber) bottom sheet....and this is the reason why.....

Cindi update.. We took a couple steps backwards...

we did the last run and all went to bed. Less than 5 minutes and Cindi got fussy as she sometimes does so I turned on the movie. She was sitting on the bed watching TV when my boys jumped up barking at Cindi. I was telling everyone to shut up when I jumped out of bed. Cindi was watching the movie and p*eing a river. I said 'seriously?' And she stopped mid-stream. Everyone got a lecture (I have to include all the dogs or someone else will p*e inside within 24 hours), cindi looked very apologetic. I opened the door and told all to go poopie...cindi sat there looking confused and the boys ran out when they realized Cindi was not with them one came flying back to the door, looking around the door jam like 'come on before she changes her mind' Cindi looked at me with a sad, sorry face then ran outside. When I let them back in they all had to sit and assure me they went potty outside!!

I am happy to report Cindi looks gorgeous in pink!!!

10/24/2025

Cindi Update: cindi has been with us for 2 months now...she has grown four point seven five, repeat 4.75 inches. She has been slow gaining much needed weight so pricing large breed puppy food. The guardian dogs grow sooo fast they need all the extra. Besides 8 cups of dog food a day Cindi also gets a cup of cream, and two tablespoons of yogurt. To help each dog keep their noses in and eat out of their bowls they all three share a extra large egg 'fried' in water. Her eating 8 cups of dry dog food every day indicates she is struggling to get nutrients she needs...we adjust amd change to best support each of my charges.

Cindi hadn't pottied in the house for 3 nights so she got to sleep in the bedroom with the big boys--and me. First night was a slumber party which finally settled down when Cindi figured out how to jump up on the bed, success came with a nose push from Denver. Of course, being a puppy Cindi kept waking up and I finally turned on the TV and she quietly watched a movie--the boys and I were finally able to sleep.

Another success is Cindi no longer drags a lead rope as her recall is much improved and she hasnt tried to escape the yard. Fence training is so important with the guardian breeds but they can be set up for success.

Cindi does not like sounds of a crumbling paper bag, and other loud noises such as pops dropping the toilet lid. So, dad and I are repeating any noises she reacts to. She needs to learn accidents happen amd not all noises will bring her harm.

Odd but true fact: Cindi does not like being called a good girl but she loves 'Cindi Rocks!'

Next adventure, car rides!!

10/20/2025

Cindi Update: Given the time to decompress, adjust, and a change of dog food, Cindi's tummy is doing much better. Potty training is going good now.

Cindi is living in house all the time only going into the kennel if we have to be somewhere. If we put her in kennel, boys are outside to keep company. Potty training is so well Cindi will soon transition from pantry at night to bedroom.

We've been working on fence training. Me, in a chair, going 'eh' if she gets too close. This takes time and patience but she is no longer 'trying' the fence.

Finally let her out with just the boys dragging a lead rope--just in case. She was doing good until.. I let her out after dark for 'last call' and she wouldn't come even when I sent the boys to get her. Finally, the boys and I got her caught and she came in with no problem after she got past the kennel. That lit a light bulb so I've been experimenting and Cindi comes when called unless she thinks something will happen that she doesn't want to happen such as going into kennel.

We are working more on commands and going where we want her to--an important part of every
dogs training. Dogs needs to go and stay where we need them at that moment especially emergencies.

Cindi big lesson for the week--she can sniff another dogs butt but she can't lick it. :)