Perhaps nowhere is the spirit of giving more evident than in American small and medium-size animal rescue groups. The majority of these organizations have no consistent sources of income, relying chiefly on fundraising to support their cause.

In the years since our non-profit was founded to give such groups financial assistance, we have witnessed firsthand the dramatic transformations they make possible. Prior to rescue, many of these dogs and cats are homeless, starved, broken and without hope. But thanks to the amazing assistance of animal rescues, the healing process for many of these creatures is nothing short of miraculous. And, as we all know, adopting a homeless dog or cat can yield incredibly positive benefits everyone in the adoptive family. 

This holiday season, we’re pleased to bring you more tidings of joy from The Dr. Jane Foundation. This month’s featured grant recipient is a committed group of dog and cat rescuers in Georgia. Actually, it’s the second financial award for the Dahlonega Lumpkin County Humane Society in the last two years! We couldn't be more proud to support this group and their unwavering cause.

With both a physical shelter facility and a foster-care program, this no-kill non-profit has plenty to offer its community. It’s no surprise that their president was recently honored as Georgia Magazine’s “Amazing Pet Hero” for her ongoing commitment to their community’s animals.

Prospective adopters are allowed to meet available dogs and cats every day during scheduled visiting hours. Even though they have a handful of long-term ‘residents’, the vast majority of their rescues are placed in forever homes in three months or less.

In their community, they advocate on behalf of companion animals to prevent cruelty and to end the practice of euthanasia. Their amazing lost-and-found service has successfully reunited hundreds of missing pet kids with their families. And thanks to their ongoing adoption and spay-and-neuter programs, the local population of stray animals has dropped dramatically. Since 1977, they’ve helped find adopters for thousands of dogs and cats.

Dahlonega Lumpkin plans to use their financial award to help cover the costs of a climate-controlled structure for canines. Speaking on behalf of the group, Volunteer Grant Coordinator Dena Maguire Young said that they were "so excited to receive our grant to help provide a warm enclosure for our dogs. It is wonderful that we are finally able to move forward with this project. Our hard work along with grants and fundraising are making this dream come true. Thank you so very much for this special and generous grant. We appreciate all you do for the animals, and for us!"

If you are interested in adopting a companion animal this holiday season, here are just a few of Dahlonega Lumpkin’s many available dogs and cats …

Jasper

This little guy has unique color markings, and that’s just one of Jasper’s many special attributes. Incredibly playful, he’s always ready to slow things down for pets from his caretakers. A perfect gentleman, Jasper is looking to be the center of someone’s attention. This handsome kitty is ready to steal your heart! Anyone willing to spend time with him and brush his coat will be rewarded with long, contented purring.

Clyde

Clyde is a Chihuahua mix who is looking for a caring adopter to call his very own. Even though he’s a senior, his best days are still ahead of him. Honestly, it’s been pretty rough for the little tyke. Clyde was rescued after living on the streets for ages, so he needs someone to show him a little extra consideration. Even so, his caretakers will tell you without hesitation that he’s all heart and ready for his new life as a pet kid.

Xena

Xena has a warrior princess name to match her big-as-life personality. A Rottweiler-Hound mix, this young lass loves to romp and play. Equal parts keen and eager, Xena promises to be readily trained. Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors will find a kindred spirit in this sweet-hearted gal. At only a year old, she’s raring to go for a lifetime of fun and companionship. If you’re ready for a lapful of lovable beast, you won’t find better than Xena!

Trixie

Trixie has a beautiful, ebony coat with a splash of white on her chest. When you meet her, you’ll be mesmerized by her exquisite golden eyes. Affectionate and playful, this delightful Domestic Short Hair happily associates with other cats. If you’re looking for a wonderful companion, you’ll find it in Trixie.

Charlotte

This little cutie was rescued from nearby woodlands where she was living on her own in the wild. Now that Charlotte has a taste for civilization, she can’t get enough attention! She’s a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, a Scottish breed known for their distinctive long body, short legs and what is referred to as a “top-knot” of hair on the head. A bit bashful at first, Charlotte is ready to make a great addition to a new family.

To learn more about these and other adorable pets, we encourage you to visit tlchs.org.

From all of us here at Life’s Abundance headquarters, we thank this committed network of lifesavers for their incredible work. And we thank all of our readers and customers … through your personal donations and continued patronage, you’ve helped make all of our grants possible. Your generosity and loyalty make the world a better place for abandoned, abused and neglected animals across America.

This holiday season, we urge you to consider making an end-of-year donation to our non-profit. With your support, the small and medium-size animal rescues who work tirelessly to find forever homes will have the funds they need to keep doing good in the world.

Check back next month for more good news from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!