You may remember this quaint little graphic? It was created by a friend of mine and put up on the blog a little over a month ago in late March because I was facing an ethical dilemma- Ralph was rescued by the great people at the Northern Illinois Pug Rescue, and I knew that the cost of his basic vet expenses was going to be far greater than any adoption fee could cover. I knew I had to do something, but I had no idea how to come up enough money to really make an impact. Then I came up with the idea, “Why not simply ask?” That is when I decided to use my blog as means to ask for help- and the response was nothing short of inspiring.
I posted information about the cause- and how much it really costs to rescue an animal to ensure they are healthy enough to adopt. Rehabilitation of animals is vital work, but sadly, many animals are given up (or found) in worse condition than Ralph was. Ralph, my pug, only had minor issues- a sinus infection, ear infection, skin infection and a little extra weight- all signs that his previous owners hadn’t bathed him or paid him much attention. He got a rabies vaccination and had an almost instant, severe reaction from it- which spiked up the cost of his first veterinary visit. He will also need a tooth pulled and a ear cleaning, which isn’t out of the ordinary for a dog of 7 years. That, though- is what astounded me…even in the best case scenario, when a dog is rescued and just needs only basic care, it costs about $400-$700 for an organization, far above most average adoption fees.
Within a month, I had received over 24 donations ranging from $2-$100 or more. People did a tremendous job of hitting the “share” button and spreading the word. I received such wonderful emails and comments about the fundraiser- I knew that we were going to make an awesome donation to NIPRA.
I will keep you posted on when I make the donation to NIPRA. Right now I am getting the funds compiled and hope to get the presentation situated. As I write this, Ralph is resting comfortably in his dog bed- feeling better already from the antibiotics that NIPRA paid for to ensure his healthy recovery from a terrible sinus problem.
It is because of your help and support that this was possible. You may think that when you donate, you’re just saving a dog. Truth is, when you save a dog, you save a person too. Your donations and support have helped this person…so thanks. 🙂
Wow! Shannyn, that is so great that you were able to raise that much money in a short amount of time.
Thanks Theresa! We were also able to raise $26 for ShelterBox.org for relief efforts in Japan through the awesome comments that were posted over a few days…it feels great that even a small blog can do “big good!”
D’awwwwww, I love Ralph’s grateful Yoda face!!! <3
Hahah Kelley! He totally has a little Yoda face…or maybe Yoda has a pug face??? I am sooo excited to present the check to NIPRA, I told them I raised a “few dollars,” so I can’t wait to hand them over $700! I feel so thankful to get that experience!
Shannyn, you are never short of amazing. You continue to inspire me. I love you
[…] know I was terrified that my “Rescuing Ralph” fundraiser would fall flat on its face- it didn’t! (yay!) I was scared and did it anyway. I’m scared that the inventory I just purchased on a credit […]
[…] contributing- you are making my goals a reality. I had a dream to get a pug- your support of the Rescuing Ralph fundraiser made that rescue effort possible. Your comments helped me generate $26 for relief efforts in […]
You’re the best! thanks for the read. i write about health and LifeDrVitamins. have a wonderful weds.
I spend hours on the net reading blogs, about tons of various subjects
[…] have done two fundraisers since I started FruBu- one for the Northern Illinois Pug Rescue who brought me Ralph and another in memory of my friend Kassie who passed away last year. Those small projects were a […]