Shasta Lake shelter at capacity: Five dogs need homes before Sept. 28
SHASTA LAKE, Calif. — The City of Shasta Lake Animal Shelter has only 10 kennels and is full. Lex, Scrappy, Luthor, Bodie, and André need adopters or experienced rescues now. They do not know what kennel space or a calendar date means. They only know that when someone walks toward their kennel, it might finally be their turn.
Donations have reduced several adoption fees to as low as $5–$45. Households with resident dogs must complete a meet-and-greet. Older, respectful children are suggested for most of these dogs; cat compatibility is unknown unless noted.
Lex — About 9 months old, Husky/Shepherd/Retriever mix. He arrived terrified and relied on his brother Luthor. He was never properly socialized. Progress has been slow and real: treats from hands, kind voices, small steps. He would likely do best with a confident dog friend. He does not need someone expecting an instant snuggle bug. He needs someone willing to show him he is safe enough to become the dog he can be. Fee listed around $45.
Scrappy — 8-month-old puppy with megaesophagus (MegaE). Goofy, energetic, and playful. Food and water do not move normally down the esophagus, so he eats sitting upright in a Bailey Chair so gravity can help. Meals must be managed carefully; remaining upright after eating is part of the routine. MegaE can be congenital or acquired and requires lifelong commitment to reduce risks such as aspiration pneumonia.
He came in as a stray, was adopted, and was returned because the family was not equipped for daily care. Staff have been working with a veterinarian on meatball-style feedings, and he has been putting weight back on. A shelter is not the ideal long-term setting. He needs an experienced rescue or a fully committed adopter who sees the puppy first. He comes with his chair. Fee listed as low as $45 or $5.
Sarah, who lost her senior dog Coach to acquired megaesophagus and myasthenia gravis, has offered to cover the full cost of an “Essential Life Skills” class for a Chico-area adopter and has Coach’s handmade Bailey Chair available for a local MegaE dog. Learn about the condition (VCA and similar veterinary resources are a start) before deciding.
Luthor — About 15–18 months, Lab/Husky/Shepherd mix. Once fearful; now a frisbee-obsessed, goofy player who loves fetch and the kiddie pool. He has made big progress trusting people and gets along with other dogs. Fee listed at $45.
Bodie — About 1½–2 years old, energetic Rottweiler-mix “overgrown puppy.” Treat-motivated, knows sit, gives paw, and wants an active family who will play and exercise with him. He likes other playful dogs but may chase cats. Previously returned through no fault of his own. Adoption fee as low as $5.
André — About 1½ years old. Surrendered by an owner who became homeless and wanted him to have a better life. Big smile. He already lost one home’s security and needs someone to finish the story she started for him.
How to help
Adopt. Foster through a rescue. Share their stories with friends, coworkers, and rescues experienced with special-needs or fearful dogs. Tag people who might be the right match. One share that reaches the right person can change everything.
City of Shasta Lake Animal Shelter3025 Ashby Road, Shasta Lake, CA 96019(530) 275-7480Weekdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (walk-ins welcome); weekends by appointment.
These five do not know what September 28 means. They only know the kennel door and the hope that someone came for them today.
