After years of people who want to re-home their pets looking to From The Heart Animal Sanctuary for help, the rescue is asking for support with their mission.
From The Heart co-owner Leslie Thomas said a simple Google search leads concerned dog owners in their direction.
"People will call us. I think we must be on top of the list," Thomas said.
Joe Thomas shared why he believes more owners are looking to them for help.
"Right now, with these economic uncertain times, a lot of people can’t afford them. If an animal gets a little more advanced in age, the vet bills get really expensive. A lot of the owners just can’t afford to maintain their well-being so they give them to animal services and then animal services will call us," he said. "If we have room, then we’ll go ahead and take them."
But right now, they don't have room. The rescue is operating at its operational limit of 21 dogs.
Their costs for dog food alone are staggering.
"We go through 40 pounds [of food] per day, and that runs us $1,200 a month," Leslie said.
That equates to $14,400 per year and doesn't include other essential costs, like veterinary care.
"Unfortunately, we’ve got two chronic dogs on lifelong medicine and vet checks," Leslie said.
They also just learned that one of their first rescues, Bear, is suffering from major joint issues.
"It’s gonna be thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars," Leslie said. "We just love him to death, so we’ll do what we can to raise the money to take care of him."
To help offset those costs, they're asking the community to help by participating in their auction or donating on their website.
The couple added that pet owners can also support the mission by providing quality care for their own pets and volunteering at animal shelters.
