Help save sick puppies!

I recently received a call for help from a California dog shelter in dire need of funds. The shelter--Critter Crossings--is an all-age, all-size, all-breed rescue organization that works to care for and rehabilitate "underdogs." They specialize in pups that are hard to place in homes, whether it's because they're sick, older, untrained or have special needs, or just because they simply haven't found someone to love them yet. Critter Crossings recognizes that the dogs they rescue may seem like a lost cause to most people, and that many would argue that these dogs should be put down. But their mission is to save these dogs and help them find the right home so that euthanizing them never has to be an option. They are always willing to welcome a new dog, no matter where that dog comes from.

Because my own pups--Mason and Lizzie--were "unwanted" before we met and fell in love with them, this type of place really pulls at my heart strings. However, now more than ever, they need my support...and yours.

Critter Crossings has been devastated with a recent outbreak of the parvo virus. As of the date of this posting, they have endured eleven straight days of this outbreak and six puppies have already died. There are many more in treatment, and they fear that the worst is not yet over. Although the parvo outbreak is contained within their northern California facility (called "the dog ranch," because there are no kennels in sight), even the southern California pups are suffering because all of the organizations funds are being routed to pay vet bills, instead of food and basic needs of the healthy dogs. They are in a crisis situation because their general fund has been completely exhausted and their vet bills have already topped $7,000.

They have posted on their blog wish lists for items they're in need of right now--specifically including beds, food, bleach, blankets and towels. However, one of the easiest ways you can help is just to donate a couple dollars. They can buy a fleece blanket for one of the sick pups for just a buck (and they've gone through more than 100 of these blankets in the past week).



I know that at this time of year we are all asked to make donations to hundreds of worthy causes, but if you have a PayPal account and can spare a couple dollars, please consider donating to this one. If I haven't convinced you, maybe one of these sweet faces will.