Dank Dogs Ranch and Rescue in Valley Center

VALLEY CENTER, Calif. — Some animal lovers feel every dog can be rehabilitated and given a second chance, even the ‘dank’ ones. 

In this Zevely Zone, I headed to Valley Center to visit The Dank Dog Ranch and Rescue. The word dank grabs your attention because it means musty and disagreeable, but at The Dank Dog Ranch and Rescue, that’s what the soap is for.

We began our tour at a private puppy playground. “Oh wow, I did not see this coming,” I said as I walked into an acre of puppy paradise. 

What is a dank dog you ask? 

“They may jump, fair warning. They like new people,” said Kassandra Gurrola. She is the co-founder of the rescue that specializes in working dog breeds and mutts. They are dogs that all needed a second chance. This is where any pet owner can wash their dogs or drop one off for spa day. 

“They get a cucumber water in a really cute little copper bowl. They get a nice little towel, we actually have a little bubble bath situation for them,” said Kassandra. 

I had to ask, “Are you taking any reservations for TV reporters?” Kassandra laughed and said, “I know right?” 

I took that as a ‘no’ but that may be the only time you hear that word at the rescue because Kassandra’s brother Alex says they say ‘yes’ to dogs like Chuck who are scheduled to be put down. “All this dog wanted even before eating the food, he came up to me and just like a person he embraced me hugging me, it almost felt like he was saying thank you so much,” said Alex.  

At this ranch the dirtier the dogs the better. Kassandra also runs a soapery. I saw soap bars made into little dog bones, little dog paws and more that are made for both dogs and humans. 

“Men actually really like these. They are great for body, hair and face and it’s on a little rope,” said Kassandra who read the caption on the bar of soap on a rope. “It says our soap saves dogs,” she read. 

This isn’t a cliche because, inside the Soap Shack Shop, every product sold raises money for the rescue. “This is actually our dog towel,” said Kassandra. “Our wooded utensils, these are all hand carved.”  

On those products you’ll see, Lady, Kassandra’s first rescue. “The fact that I have my whole brand around her face should tell you how much she means to me,” said Kassandra. “This is the star.” 

Lady was rescued from a bad breeding operation. “Some of the dogs that we have come across had no other option but to come here,” said Kassandra’s husband Miguel Gurrola. The other co-founder of the rescue put it best. “They have shown me what unconditional love is and I love them, they are, sorry, not only some of my best friends but I think we can make a difference,” Miguel said with tears in his eyes.

So, if you ever feel like you need a dog hug, The Dank Dog Ranch is waiting. “When you said the dog came up and hugged you, I didn’t believe you until right now,” I said as Chuck gave me a huge Dank Dog Hug. Kassandra laughed and said, “I want to get him into the water I think he’d be a good surf dog.”

If you’re interested in learning more about adopting a ‘Dank Dog’, volunteering or dropping your dog off for a spa day, click here.