Caring for animals can be a life-changing experience, but like everything else, it isn’t without challenges. From housebreaking and grooming to both expected and unexpected medical expenses, our pets depend on our time, money and energy to lead their best lives. It’s a commitment that, unfortunately, some owners are unprepared or unable to make. Thankfully, a number of reputable rescue operations are working to provide much-needed services to homeless, abandoned and abused animals. This month, we celebrate five local organizations making a profound difference in the lives of our four-legged friends.

Fat Kitty City

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Placer SPCA

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

All About Equine

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Leaps and Bounds Rabbit Rescue

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

El Dorado County German Shepherd Rescue

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Chako Pit Bull Rescue and Advocacy

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Northern California Bulldog Rescue

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Wind Song Animal Sanctuary

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Foothill Dog Rescue

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Itsie Bitsie Rescue

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

Fieldhaven Feline Center

Inspiring Animal Rescues Read more 

---

THE HUMANE SOCIETY’S TOP 5 REASONS TO ADOPT

1. You’ll save a life. Approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the U.S. because too many people give up their pets, and too few people adopt from shelters. Adopting from a private humane society or animal shelter actually saves the lives of two animals—the pet you adopt, and a homeless animal somewhere that can be rescued thanks to the space you helped create.
   
   
2. You’ll get a healthy pet. Most shelters examine and give vaccinations to animals when they arrive, and many also spay and neuter them before they’re adopted. In addition to medical care, more and more shelters also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviors to make sure your family finds the right pet for your lifestyle.
   
   
3. You’ll save money. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is much less expensive than buying one at a pet store or other sources. When you consider that many shelter animals are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated, the shelter’s fee is actually a bargain.
   
   
4. You’ll feel better. Animals have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial. Just spending time with an animal can help lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and dog walking, pet grooming and petting provide increased physical activity that can help strengthen the heart, improve circulation and slow the loss of bone tissue.
   
   
5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills and pet stores. Puppy mills are factory-style dog breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Most dogs raised there are housed in poor conditions with improper medical care, while their parents are kept in cages to be bred over and over. Unfortunately, puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing their dogs.

Reprinted with permission from the Humane Society of the United States.

---

HOW TO HELP

1. Donate new and gently used clothing, shoes, housewares, décor, books, DVDs and CDs to the Placer SPCA Thrift Store, located at 931 Washington Boulevard Suite 107 in Roseville.
   
   
2. Pave the way for the future of FieldHaven Feline Center by purchasing a commemorative brick. In recognition of a $50 donation, your brick will be personalized and added to the patio in front of the shelter.  
   
   
3. For as little as $10/month, you can provide lifesaving care for special needs and senior animals at Wind Song Animal Sanctuary—plus, you’ll receive photos, sanctuary updates, and a special video/gallery link to the animals in the category you sponsor.
   
   
4. “Bale” out Leaps and Bounds Rabbit Rescue by donating hay and food pellets.
   
   
5. Open your home (and barn) to a horse in need by becoming an All About Equine foster provider. 
   
   
6. Make a donation to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue in honor or memory of friends and loved ones.
   
   
7. Calling all photographers! Snap the dogs at El Dorado County German Shepherd Rescue for the organization’s website and improve their chances of finding a home.
   
   
8. Establish a legacy of service by participating in Fat Kitty City’s planned giving program. 
   
   
9. Shop AmazonSmile, where 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible purchases benefits Northern California Bulldog Rescue.
   
   
10. Give a used car, motorcycle, boat, RV or plane new life by donating it to CARs (Charitable Auto Resources, Inc.). Your tax-deductible contribution will benefit PAWED.