Starting an animal rescue is a much bigger endeavor than most people think. Some groups lack the resources to make it through the first year of service. This is why, when a small, tight-knit group of people unite to not only create a functional rescue, but also demonstrate a willingness to tackle big problems, you know you have something special. In a very real sense, this month’s featured grant recipient calls to mind Margaret Mead’s famous quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

This month’s featured grant recipient is Companion Animal Rescue & Medical Assistance Inc. (CARMA), a non-profit organization doing its utmost to alter the destiny of dogs and cats abandoned in New Mexico.

Even though the U.S. has seen a dramatic reduction in the annual number of dogs and cats euthanized – rates are one-quarter to one-fifth of those in decades past – an estimated 2.7 million still fail to be adopted every year. Given that 25-40% of rescue dogs are purebred, the need for specific-breed advocacy is vital. Championing the merits of a particular breed not only helps the breed in question, it also boosts the perception of all breeds. This month’s featured grant recipient has made significant inroads towards fighting canine homelessness through their tireless advocacy on behalf of Golden Retrievers.

Small and medium-size rescues are the primary beneficiaries of the grants awarded by the Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation. However, in times of crisis, they also bestow emergency donations of food and financial support to casualties of disaster. Thus far, victims of hurricanes, tornados and fires have all received funding and/or food donations from our non-profit. We can now add flood victims to the list of recipients who’ve benefitted from the foundation’s generosity.

Located in Los Angeles County, FastFriends Greyhound Adoption of California maintains a wide foster-home network. When it comes to their rescue, FastFriends has a one-track mind - to help transition greyhounds from racing careers to lives of companionship with adoptive families.

Richardson Rescue has been rescuing pets since 2003. The mission of this Carolina rescue is to provide shelter and care for both dogs and cats, and ultimately to place them in forever homes. In addition to these vital services, they also provide a low-cost spay-and-neuter program for local families subsisting on low incomes. An ardent advocate on behalf of animal rights, founder Janet Richardson views her work as falling under the umbrella of “preserving the sanctity of animal life”. As goals go, it’s our opinion that her rescue agency has become a great success!

This month, it gives us great pleasure to bring you the story of Spotted Dog Dalmatian Rescue, which represents the pure spirit of small rescue ventures. In operation since 2011, the founders of Spotted Dog embody the drive to make a positive difference in the world. The non-profit is comprised of a group of volunteers, all of whom are committed to the mission of saving and improving the lives of hearing-impaired Dalmatians. By educating people about the consequences of negative stereotypes regarding deaf Dals, they’re hopeful they can make significant inroads in the acceptance of all dogs with disabilities.

What you may not know is that, on every application for funding, applicants must submit specific information … about their finances, daily operations, cleaning protocols, how they would respond to hypothetical situations, and more. One pertinent question posed is, ‘If your funding request is granted, what are your plans for the money?’ When it comes to saving the lives of animals subjected to homelessness, neglect and abuse, sometimes the most noble goals are also the most universal … the provision of nourishment, shelter and a healing touch. These are definitely cases where the immediate needs of the few are weighted more heavily than tomorrow’s needs of the many.

All Bassets Cherished Basset Hound Rescue operates out of Rochester, NY and extends its rescue efforts to upstate, western, and central NY as well. ABCBHR also partners with eight breed-specific rescue organizations across the nation to further expand their rescue reach. This organization is dedicated to saving newly abandoned hounds, homeless hounds, and hounds from other rescue groups. ABCBHR’s life-saving mission is to “help homeless hounds get the care, love, and attention they need and find them forever homes that can provide for them.”