Whispering Winds has specialized in the Belgian Malinois breed since 1999, when we rescued our first, Jazmyn — many of ours are retired police and military working dogs who simply need to learn how to be dogs again. Several of our cats found us on their own: dumped near the property, or tossed from moving cars, and now living out their lives here instead.
A note for anyone hoping to rehome a pet with us: we have reached full capacity and cannot accept new dog intakes at this time, with no openings expected in the near future. We're glad to point you toward other resources if we can — please don't hesitate to ask.
A retired Portland, Oregon K9 trained as a drug-detection dog, Flash decided he liked bite work better — which wasn't in his job description, and after biting a passing cyclist, the department retired him. Since then, he's lived a life of luxury: other Malinois to play with, beach trips, swimming in the pond, and sleeping in.
A super smart, typically active boy, Blue's previous owner had started him on bite work and imprinted him negatively — he'll never be social enough to be around other people, but he's one of the smartest Malinois we've had. He's our Ranch Alert dog, hearing wildlife in the brush before anyone sees it; after losing several cats to coyotes, when Blue barks, we listen. He's right every time.
Bubba was in a high-kill shelter when we were notified. Susan made the three-hour drive herself to be sure he made it out safe.
Found in a kill shelter — Susan couldn't resist saving her.
Maggie and Lucy came from the same kill shelter and were both 11th-hour saves. Whispering Winds specializes primarily in Belgian Malinois, but some dogs just can't be passed by.
Maggie's shelter-mate, saved the same day, now living out a comfortable ranch life.
Part of the pack, with a fondness for lounging on the picnic table.
Saved from a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles with arrangements made long-distance, including transport up to our former ranch in Roseburg, Oregon. Circumstances changed the original plan, and Sophia became a permanent resident instead.
After Jesse (our first donkey rescue, who lived to 46) passed away, he left behind a companion, Jack, who fell into a deep depression without him. So when Ashley from All About Horses needed to rehome a younger donkey, Pop Tart, to make room for another rescue, we said yes — and the two have been inseparable troublemakers ever since. Between dragging the water hose out of a filling tank and smacking each other with feed buckets, "King of the Gravel" is one of their favorite games.
Our hay supplier found Jack wandering freely in one of his fields with no owner ever located. Jesse needed a companion, and Jack was perfect — though little did we know he'd also turn out to be a huge prankster and an even bigger love bug.
Younger and more energetic than Jack, Pop Tart keeps him active and gets into everything right alongside him.
Our cat population grew almost by accident — a kitten dumped near the outbuilding here, a litter tossed from a car there. There have been too many to name over the years, but here are the current residents.
Keeps a close eye on the property from his favorite spot on the porch.
Usually found curled up somewhere sunny, often a flower barrel.
A striking blue-gray cat who's found her own patch of the barnyard to call home.
Keeps watch from the woodpile and porch rafters.
One of our mama cats, raising the newest litter of ranch cats.
One of the newest additions finding his place around the barn.
Also part of our family, in memory: Jack (aka Curly), found wandering in a neighbor's field and taken in when his owner couldn't reclaim him — our coyote controller, and the reason we haven't lost a cat since he arrived. And Denver ("Yoda"), nursed back from a rattlesnake bite to the face by a vet who refused to give up on him, who went on to a full recovery and a loving indoor home.
Sponsorships and donations keep the food, medical care, and love flowing for every dog, cat, and donkey on this page.
