Southern California Dachshund Rescue has gained 501(c)3 nonprofit status

Southern California's largest and most active dachshund rescue, Southern California Dachshund Rescue, is pleased to announce they now have 501(c)3 nonprofit status.

As a legal nonprofit, the rescue can apply for grants and solicit donations from other organizations. Many corporations will match donations made to a valid nonprofit; SCDR will now be a qualified recipient of these funds. Any donations are tax-deductible.

"This is going to change everything for us," says Dena Delgado, the rescue's founder and director. "For 15 years, we've been getting by on adoption fees, funds we raise at our bi-annual picnic and whatever donations that come our way. Now we'll be able to apply for grants and solicit tax-deductible donations."

Most animal rescue organizations consistently operate in the red, and SCDR is no exception. Although adoption donations can be up to $350 for a healthy young purebred dachshund puppy, the rescue only gets in about a half dozen of these types of puppies a year. Most doxies coming into rescue are between five and 15 years old and require expensive vetting, depleting the coffers with alarming speed.

Because adoption fees for older or special needs dogs only range from $50 to $150, the medical bills are usually much higher than any donations received for these dachshunds. Puppy adoption donations can help offset these hefty fees, but not by much.

Max after his surgery

Take Max, for example. Around 14 years old, Max was a shelter dog who came into rescue in dire condition. He had kennel cough and an upper respiratory infection, his mouth was infected and filled with rotting teeth, and he had a large tumor on his leg.

Rescue spent more than $1,400 on his initial vetting, which included a dental cleaning, several tooth extractions, x-rays, removal of the tumor, reconstructive surgery on his leg, lab work, medication and a biopsy--which came back positive for hemangiopericytoma, a malignant recurring tumor that does not spread to the rest of the body. A simple, inexpensive chemo treatment manages the tumor, but he will need it every six weeks for the rest of his life.

Linus was another elderly"train wreck"
whose vetting cost rescue more than
$1,100. At least nine years old when SCDR
took him from the shelter, Linus was
adopted and spent several years in a loving
home before passing of natural causes.

Many rescues would have euthanized Max, but SCDR is good at identifying diamonds in the rough. Although Max was sick and very angry when he came into rescue, medical treatment and TLC have turned him into a happy little guy with a wonderful quality of life. He loves his foster mom, his bed, the love he receives and, of course, his delicious food.

Because of his age and the recurring tumor, Max probably won't ever be adopted; he currently lives in a loving foster home. Even if Max does find a permanent home, his adoption fee would be a donation to rescue, usually only about $50, which does not even begin to pay for his vetting, now around $1,750. With nonprofit status, SCDR may be able to solicit the funds to pay Max's bills.

Nonprofit status also helps rescue take in shelter doxies. Public shelters, humane societies and SPCAs require IRS documentation before they allow rescues to take dogs from their populations of needy dogs. Having a 501(c)3 will make it much easier for SCDR to take in shelter dachshunds.

Any donations to SCDR are retroactively tax-deductible if made after March 9, 2009. If you have made a donation or adopted a dachshund during that time, please contact Dena Delgado at dena@delgadog.com for a receipt.

For more info: For more information about nonprofit charities, please visit www.guidestar.com (SCDR will be listed soon). To learn more about SCDR's adoptable dachshunds, please visit www.delgadog.com. To make a tax-deductibe donation, please PayPal Dena Delgado at dena@delgadog.com or click on the button below.

Frequently asked questions about fostering for dachshund rescue

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Southern California Dachshund Rescue has gained 501(c)3 nonprofit status

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Dachshunds available for adoption
from Southern California Dachshund Rescue

All text in this article is copyrighted and the sole possession of Tamar Love Grande, unless otherwise indicated. Available for reprint and/or publishing only with written permission from author. Contact Tamar Love Grande with your comments, suggestions, questions and ideas.