For more than 30 years migrant workers lived in shacks, tents and small
covered trailers in Southern California’'s North/Central San Diego County.
They labored in orange and avocado groves
during the harvesting season. After harvest
many went home to their families in Central
and South America. Some found local jobs
and stayed. Others moved north to work
other produce crops.
A few years ago police agencies (INS and
local law enforcement) closed the camp.
Those who were here legally found new
places to live. Others were deported.
And, in the confusion that was a part of the displacement, animals (mainly dogs)
were overlooked. Today, many descendants of the
original dog population still live in and around that
forgotten campsite. Wild and shy.
Six years ago Christine, following a tip from a friend,
found the old campsite and a number of orphaned
dogs that live there. This was the beginning of a
daily labor of love: feeding and caring for these abandoned animals. At present five neglected dogs are thriving and cared for on the grounds Christine and her husband, Juergen call home. The rest of the Orchard Orphans remain at the old campsite.
