D. Williams

We are always asked, “What can we do to help rescue organizations?” This article is from Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital’s newsletter. We couldn’t have said it better.

Rescue groups survive on the generosity of people like you who care about the welfare of the animals on this earth. While they may get some donated items from time to time, rescues have to run their organizations on budgets just like any other business.

The expenses incurred by rescue groups are enormous. Veterinary care, even when offered at reduced cost, is one of the biggest costs. They also have food, housing, transportation, boarding and grooming. Adoption fees cover only a small portion of each animal’s expenses.

Rescue groups have the animals they take in tested for diseases such as heartworm, feline leukemia and tick-borne illnesses. They have them spayed and neutered by veterinarians who offer surgeries at reduced costs but are still expensive for the rescues. They vaccinate the pets and treat them for ticks and fleas.

Many of the pets are sick and need to have blood tests and veterinary hospitalization. Some have broken bones or other injuries requiring surgery. Some are old and difficult to place in new homes, so are kept by volunteer foster homes to live out the remainder of their lives in comfort and safety.

Rescue organizations are always in need of financial assistance and human resources. They will gladly accept your monetary donations (usually tax-deductible—ask for a receipt on their letterhead) and/or your offer of time and talent.

They also need volunteers, just as Rover’s Rest Stop & Ranch does, to maintain facilities, landscaping, painting or light construction and repairs—things you would not always think of.

No matter how you decide to help, know that you’ll be making an important contribution in the lives of animals who, often through no fault of their own, find themselves sick, hurt, unwanted and/or unloved. Remember, you CAN make a difference. Reprinted with permission of Dr. Holmes, Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital, Tempe, Arizona.

Rover’s Rest Stop & Ranch is in Sun Lakes the second Saturday of every month. For more information, contact D at 480-600-2828 or by email, [email protected].