12 this, 12 that! Goodness - it's that time of year. And, while it's entirely possible that Santa Cruz does have a partridge in a pair tree somewhere, it's certain that the holidays bring about a spirit of giving. It's also a time of reflection, renewed hope, and commitment, and possibly your last chance (ever, if you are following fiscal cliff talk) for a charity write-off.
If you're an animal lover in Santa Cruz County, this list of 12 local non-profit organizations serving the needs of our community's furry friends should inspire you, and may even have your heart swelling with pride.
In alphabetical order, they are:
1. Animal Shelter Relief Rescue (ASR) is an all-volunteer animal rescue and foster network that relieves overcrowded animal shelters, reducing euthanasia rates. You may have seen them at the Cabrillo College Farmers Market on Saturdays and Pet Smart on Sundays. I want to Donate to ASR.
2. Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE) provides sanctuary for homeless animals, humane education, and advocacy campaigns addressing animal issues. They are one of the oldest animal non-profits in Santa Cruz and recently acquired sanctuary space in Grass Valley. I want to donate to CAPE.
3. CityLimits Ranch has the mission to foster in children and adults a love for and understanding of horses in hopes of reducing the number of unwanted horses in the community. They maintain several horses and an equine facility, and teach natural horsemanship. I want to donate to CityLimits.
4. Friends of Santa Cruz County Animals (FOSCCA) supports the services of the "open-door" Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and are best known for their assistance with affordable spay/neuter programs. I want to donate to FOSCCA.
5. Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter (FOWAS) are dedicated to helping the animals at the Watsonville Animal Shelter. Their assistance saves lives, donates supplies, brings more adopters and volunteers to the shelter, and reduces stress-related problems for shelter animals. I want to donate to FOWAS.
6. Heading Home Animal Rescue rescues animals from shelters where they are in danger of being euthanized and works to find them permanent loving homes. I want to donate to Heading Home.
7. Native Animals Rescue (NAR) is a community of experts trained to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and release wild animals back to their natural habitat in accordance with Department of Fish and Game standards. I want to donate to NAR.
8. Pregnant Mare Rescue rescues pregnant mares, most of which are bred for the Premarin industry and others destined for the slaughterhouse. I want to donate to Pregnant Mare Rescue.
9. Project Purr is an all-volunteer nonprofit feral cat/kitten rescue organization that advocates and provides a low cost (and sometimes FREE) spay/neuter Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program for residents of Santa Cruz County. I want to donate to Project Purr.
10. Redwood Animal Rescue (RAR) has applied for but not yet received their 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Nevertheless, they are dedicated to animal rescue and have begun their work in Santa Cruz County. I want to read more and possibly donate to RAR.
11. Santa Cruz SPCA was founded in 1938 and their mission is to prevent cruelty to animals, stop pet overpopulation and promote community responsibility. They are currently raising money for a new shelter so they can move out of their dilapidated digs on Chanticleer Avenue. I want to donate to the Santa Cruz SPCA.
12. The Rabbit Haven works with both shelters and the community by rescuing and fostering surrendered and "dumped" rabbits, and making them available to adopt twice monthly at Pet Pals. They also offer FREE education and nail trims for rabbit owners at their adoption events. I want to donate to The Rabbit Haven.
If you have a generous heart but no money to donate, there is still plenty you can do to help animals in our community. Explore the organizations that appeal to you and find out what you and your family can do. Start the New Year off by sharing the love that's in your heart.
Do you wish to mention other local animal non-profits that were missed in this article? Please email the author and feel free to add it to the comment section. Thanks!
*The links in this article may have been overloaded. We apologize if the link you are looking for isn't there - please call to the author's attention via email.
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