Island Dog Ranch

01/24/2026

01/23/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and investor, Charlie Bodenstab.

Charlie was a rare and special soul—someone who believed deeply in people, in animals, and in the power of kindness and care. Island Dog Ranch would not exist as it does today without Charlie’s belief, encouragement, and unwavering support.

At a pivotal moment, he stepped in and helped make it possible for this dream to take root and grow, ensuring that island dogs would always have a safe, loving place to stay, play, and be cared for.
Charlie offered not only critical guidance and wisdom as the business took shape, but something even more meaningful: his faith in us. He often shared how much he believed in this work, and in what Island Dog Ranch could become. That belief continues to guide us every day.

Even after Charlie moved off the island, he remained deeply connected to the animals. He loved receiving photos and videos of the dogs and cats, and hearing their stories—thanks especially to his daughter, Laurie, who made sure he stayed part of the day-to-day magic.

We also wish to honor his beloved wife, Donna, who continues to be a source of support, encouragement, and kindness, along with Charlie’s children and grandchildren, who carry forward his spirit and legacy in so many meaningful ways.

The new indoor facility, Charlie’s Buckaroo Barn, was named in his honor while he was still with us, and we are profoundly grateful that he knew just how much this meant to our island dogs. The Barn stands as a living part of his legacy—a place filled with joy, wagging tails, muddy paws, and the kind of love Charlie cared so deeply about.

We will miss him more than words can say. But his spirit, generosity, and belief live on in every dog who runs through our gates and every human who finds comfort knowing their beloved animals are safe here.

Thank you, Charlie, for everything. We carry you with us—always.

With love and gratitude,

Island Dog Ranch & Charlie’s Buckaroo Barn

11/17/2025

05/23/2025

CAT FIRST AID : CHOKING AND CPR

02/16/2025

Stanley, Aidan & Ginger 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️

02/10/2025

We will be closed Feb 17 - Feb 24. Please schedule your appointments before as we will not be answering the phone during our time off.

01/30/2025

Lovie is a dear client and one of our beloved Buckaroo Crew members. She is looking for a home on San Juan Island.

Meet Lovie – A Sweet Soul Looking for Her Forever Home on San Juan Island

🐩 Breed: Registered Miniature Poodle (Retired Champion Show Dog)�
🎂 Age: 9 years (Born September 20, 2015)�
💖 Personality: Sweet, gentle, and loves deeply

Lovie’s story is one of resilience, grace, and unconditional love. As a puppy, she faced a tough beginning where her vocal cords were cut by her breeder, leaving her without a bark and a means to communicate. She was also kept in a crate most of the time. Despite these hardships, she grew into a champion show dog and an incredible companion. Lovie retired to a wonderful island home, but her family is now in assisted living and unable to care for her. This lovely lady is ready for the next chapter of her journey in a home that can give her all the love and security she deserves.

What Makes Lovie So Special:

🌷 Gentle Soul: Shy and a little fearful at first, Lovie warms up beautifully with patience and love. She’ll snuggle her way into your heart and follow you like your most devoted shadow.
🌟 Active and Fun-Loving: Lovie adores long walks, trips to the dog park, and chasing balls. Her happy place is in the great outdoors or riding shotgun on a car adventure.
🐕 Social Butterfly: This sweet girl gets along wonderfully with other dogs and cats. While she hasn’t been around children, she’d likely thrive with gentle, respectful kids. She loves adults, too, and warms up quickly to them.

A Few Things to Know:

🏡 Visits with Her Former Family: Lovie’s island family loves her deeply and would be overjoyed to visit with her regularly at their new home at the Village.
🎶 Shy and Noise-Sensitive: Loud noises can be overwhelming for Lovie. A calm, understanding home will help her feel safe and secure.
🎾 Pulls on a Leash: Lovie’s enthusiasm on walks might lead to a bit of pulling, but with some training, she can master the art of strolling gracefully.
✂️ Grooming Requirements: Poodles need professional grooming every 5-6 weeks (approximately $105 per session). Keeping her coat and ears hair free and clean is essential for her health and happiness. Lovie has a groomer on island who is on her client list!
🌟 Healthy and Ready for Love: Lovie is in great health with no major medical issues. Routine dental care and regular checkups at Harbor Veterinary are recommended to keep her feeling her best.

Could You Be the One for Lovie?

Lovie dreams of a quiet, loving San Juan Island home filled with warmth, patience, and plenty of snuggles. Her ideal adopter will understand her grooming needs, provide her with reassurance, and help her feel safe in her new environment.
If you’re ready to open your heart and home to this lovely girl, please reach out. Lovie is proof that love heals all wounds—and she’s ready to share her tender heart with you.

🐾 Contact Ellen 360-472-0723 to meet Lovie and begin her next chapter of love and joy! 🐾

12/31/2024

For those of us that work with wildlife the current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been a great concern since early 2022. In May 2022, we began seeing outbreaks here in Oregon. Badger Run has dealt with a number of birds that have presented with HPAI symptoms and outcomes. Thanks to an Avangrid grant and donor support, our rehab was able to build a quarantine building so that we could combat the virus' spread and still be able to admit patients. As of February 2024, HPAI has infected over 48 different species of mammals around the world including humans. Cats appear to be especially impacted by the virus. Cats have been known to carry bird flu since 2004 with their death rate at about 50%. With this more highly pathogenic variant that is now spreading among cattle, the feline death rate is about 90%. Recently, an exclusively indoor pet cat here in Oregon ate HPAI contaminated raw and frozen turkey feline food and died from the virus (yep, freezing doesn't kill the virus). In Washington, a big cat wildlife sanctuary lost 20 of 37 big cats to HPAI. As wildlife rehabbers, we have always asked folks to please not let their pet cats go outside. It is dangerous both for wildlife, but also the cats. NOW MORE THAN EVER, CAT OWNERS NEED TO HEED THIS ADVICE. Being hunters, cats allowed to roam outside are going to be exposed to HPAI. They hunt/eat wild birds and they may eat wildlife that is already dead, possibly infected with HPAI. The AVMA recommends pet owners look out for signs such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever. A bird flu infection can quickly progress with neurologic signs, such as tremors, seizures, loss of coordination, or blindness. Additionally, cats can have severe depression, discharge from their eyes or nose, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sneezing, or coughing. If your cat shows these symptoms and you think it might have been exposed to bird flu, you should call a veterinarian immediately. Remember, sick animals may be able to transmit influenza virus to people in their saliva, p**p, and other bodily fluids.

12/23/2024

Merry Christmas!!! xoAmy