Park City dog rescue owner honored at California Gala, still seeking home for last Palisades Fire survivor

Star, a mother dog rescued during last year’s California wildfire response, is the only dog from the 42-dog rescue effort led by Rocky Mountain K9 Rescue that still needs a home. Photo: Rocky Mountain K9

David Kitchen's Rocky Mountain K9 Rescue has rehomed over 300 dogs this year, but one mother dog named Star still awaits her forever family

PARK CITY — One year after David Kitchen and his team rescued 42 dogs from California’s devastating Palisades Fire, the Rocky Mountain K9 owner traveled back to California last Friday to accept a recognition award at the Heroes Gala in Malibu.

But amid the celebration, Kitchen’s thoughts remained on Star — a gentle mother dog who is the only canine from that harrowing January 2024 rescue still awaiting adoption.

“It’s sad because she’s so adorable, she’s cute, and with the right people, she’s just so friendly and sweet,” Kitchen said. “I really want to highlight that we’d like to get her a home.”

Kitchen, owner of Rocky Mountain K9 and founder of Rocky Mountain K9 Rescue, attended the Heroes Gala with friend Tristan Hamm, who rescued more than 30 horses during the same fire. The award recognized their life-saving efforts during the wildfire that ravaged Southern California.

Since the rescue mission, all 42 dogs have been rehomed, and Rocky Mountain K9 Rescue has facilitated adoptions for over 300 dogs throughout the year. Many of the Palisades Fire survivors regularly return to Rocky Mountain K9’s facilities for boarding, allowing Kitchen to witness their continued well-being.

Star’s Story

Star entered Kitchen’s care alongside her son, Ralphie, both rescued from the same kennel during the fire. The identical-looking pair were visibly traumatized, with Kitchen recalling having to carry Ralphie inside because the terrified dog simply planted his feet and refused to move.

Over the months, Ralphie transformed from an “untouchable dog” into a beloved family pet. He was adopted at a summer adoption event and now lives in Ogden with two siblings, attending Rocky Mountain K9’s Ogden facility weekly.

Star’s journey has been different. While she’s playful with other dogs and sweet with women, she remains wary of men — a challenge that has complicated her adoption prospects.

“It’s kind of this story of the mom sacrificing so that the son can live,” Kitchen said.

Kitchen is seeking a calm female adopter without children who can provide Star the patient environment she needs to thrive. Those interested in adopting Star can contact Rocky Mountain K9.

From Adrenaline to Long-Term Care

The initial Palisades Fire rescue was “all adrenaline,” Kitchen said, but the real work began after the spotlight faded and his team faced the reality of caring for 42 traumatized animals.

At the time, Rocky Mountain K9 operated three locations. The company has since expanded to five facilities across Utah, but that growth occurred alongside unexpected challenges. One dog, Roger, required tail amputation due to infection. Others needed behavioral rehabilitation before they could be placed in homes.

Kitchen partnered with local organizations, including Mountain Mammas in Midway, which provided a foster home for a Rottweiler from the rescue. He credits donations during that period with helping sustain the extended care many dogs required.

“Just by having kennels doesn’t mean that you’re prepared to rescue all these dogs,” Kitchen said.

New Programs and Future Plans

Rocky Mountain K9 Rescue is developing dedicated kennel space for local rescue organizations to use as a temporary placement while they secure foster homes. To fund this work, Kitchen launched an unlimited dog wash program — $20 monthly for unlimited baths at Rocky Mountain Canine facilities, with proceeds supporting rescue operations.

The program added 350 members in its first month.

“We don’t want to have to rely on those ‘what if’ donations,” Kitchen said.

Looking ahead, Kitchen’s team is monitoring weather emergencies, including the current cold snap affecting southern states, ready to deploy for mass rescue operations when needed.

“We’re going to be showing up to places when there are problems,” Kitchen said.

Last summer, Kitchen attempted to purchase the Nuzzles Ranch property when it was listed for sale, submitting a full-price offer that was ultimately rejected as the organization worked through internal decisions. Kitchen said he’s keeping watch on the 100-acre property, hoping for another opportunity to expand rescue operations while preserving a community institution.

For Kitchen, whose childhood was marked by bringing stray dogs home and whose adult passion project once involved distributing hundreds of Christmas hams to families in need, rescue work fulfills a deep-seated drive to help.

“I love to help,” Kitchen said. “It puts a big smile on my face when good things happen.”

How to Help

Those interested in adopting Star or supporting Rocky Mountain K9 Rescue can visit Rocky Mountain K9’s facilities in Park City or contact Kitchen directly. The unlimited dog wash program is open to new members at all five Rocky Mountain Canine locations.

For more information about adoption or to donate, contact Rocky Mountain K9.