URGENT UPDATE: Press Paws Ranch Retreat in Agua Dulce is urgently seeking donations and volunteers following severe storm damage that devastated its animal enclosures. The storm, which hit the Santa Clarita Valley on December 24, 2023, knocked over all main animal structures, leaving the nonprofit organization facing a minimum of $20,000 in repair costs.
On Christmas Eve morning, founder and chair Robin Lee discovered the destruction while preparing to feed the animals. “There were just a lot of hazards all over the pasture,” Lee reported. Fortunately, all the animals—including donkeys, horses, goats, and pigs—were found safe, albeit shaken. “I was panicked that I was going to find wandering or dead animals,” she admitted.
As the storm wreaked havoc, the organization was able to create temporary shelters. The goats are currently finding refuge in igloos, traditionally used for dogs, while the pigs have been secured in a repaired area of the pasture. The team worked tirelessly on Saturday to clean up debris and create makeshift enclosures to ensure all animals had some form of shelter amidst the ongoing rain.
Lee emphasized the urgency of the situation. “At this point, we’re just all kind of in emergency mode, just getting everybody safe,” she said. The organization, which supports cancer patients through animal therapy, has faced numerous challenges this past year, including the loss of a beloved horse named Dyna and a serious car accident involving Lee and her family.
Community support is crucial now more than ever. Press Paws Ranch Retreat is calling for donations to assist in rebuilding the animal enclosures and is seeking volunteers with construction skills. To help, you can make a donation at www.presspawsrr.org/donorbox or sign up to volunteer through their website at www.presspawsrr.org/contact.
As Press Paws begins to regroup and rebuild, the determination of its team shines through. “We’re just ready to say goodbye to 2025,” Lee remarked, highlighting the resilience and spirit of the organization. Immediate action is needed to restore safety and stability for the animals that play a vital role in the healing of cancer patients and their caregivers.
The community’s support is invaluable during this challenging time, and every contribution makes a difference.
