Our 'wish' list

Like all charitable organizations, the down turn of the economy hit us as hard as it did everyone else.  Expenses continue to escalate, generally exceed the adoption donation of any given dog and we are always limited by the number of dogs we can save from death by the amount of resources we have.

•  Product donations  - There are specific products we buy every week for the dogs and puppies we are fostering - we can greatly appreciate either gift cards from the various retailers that sell these products or direct product donations can be dropped off at adoptions or ordered online and delivered to our mailbox location for pick-up:
  • Royal Canin #28 - available at any petshop - Why Royal Canine for Chihuahuas? Most shelter dogs are underweight to severely emaciated; many have dental disease and issues; Royal Canin is a bit more expensive but in the long run, it is more nutritional, the ingredients are better used by these little guys' digestive systems and at times, 'time is of the essence' to getting one of these guys healthy again.  Long time experience with this product has proven it to do what the marketing people say it will.
  • Nature's Miracle - Why Nature's Miracle? Again, tried-and-true hands on experience, for we've tried so many products without the results Nature's Miracle renders.  Many shelter dogs are not house-trained and/or the transition into a home environment causes accidents until we get them in a routine.  In some instances, a white vinegar & water solution works well, but you can't use that in all situations.
  • Little Stinker Housebreaking Pads - available at most petshops - Why Little Stinker pitty pads?  Product details from Amazon are here.  There is a gel inside of the Little Stinker pad and once wet, it solidifies, causing the top layer to appear to be dry to the dog's pads and therefore they are more willing to use the pad more than once.  If a dog or puppy needs to be isolated until we can be sure they are not contagious with kennel cough or some other ugly mugly, we rely heavily on pitty pads and this particular brand works the best and in the long run, much more economical than other brands.
  • Greenies - We buy two types - the senior and the 'Lite' version in the only 'Teenies' size because of the dogs we normally save.  Many shelter dogs have dental issues and this product helps lower the plaque, doesn't make them aggressive like pigs ears can do --- plus our dogs really love them! 
  • Baby food (meat products) - Gerber and Beechnut make a meat products line sold in small glass jars that we buy frequently (especially when a dog is grossly underweight from the shelter).  Chicken, beef and turkey are great power protein sources when added into their diets (we stay away from pork and veal products) - this method gets the shelter dogs healthier quicker with good, solid weight.  Gerber has a program we participate where for every 30 UPCs we send in, they send us back a $1.00 coupon - this takes time to do, but that goes along way when trying to get dogs back up on their feet. See Linda at adoptions if you have Gerber UPS strips you would like to donate, or they can be simply mailed to the mailbox.
  • Dehydrated chicken strips - various brands - Costco's seems to be the cheapest around, but there are times we go through these like water when training (or un-training bad habits~~!!!) in shelter dogs.
  • Petco and PetSmart both offer gift cards that can be purchased online and sent to TLC, using your credit card, PetSmart also offers e-gift certificates that don't cost extra shipping costs.  We buy many things from Target as well (especially their Boots 'N Barkley dog beds which withstand constant trips through the washing machine very well!) - Target also offers gift cards available to be purchased online.
     
•  Office supplies  - To produce the adoption packets that are 50+ pages, TLC spends a lot of money in office supplies (ink jet cartridges, paper, copies, file folders, etc.).  We shop around constantly for the best price and have a recycling program for used ink cartridges as well (they can be dropped off at adoptions and deposited in the container there).  While we keep a careful eye on office supply expenses, we feel it is essential that each dog or puppy is adopted with a complete and up-to-date adoption packet for later reference by the new owner.  Staples and Office Depot both offer gift cards available for purchase online.
   
•  Dehydrator  - Most of our foster parents do some form of home cooking for their fosters, but none of us have a dehydrator and dehydrated chicken strips, the beef version, etc. become pretty pricey.  We'd love to have someone donate a dehydrator to us that they are no longer using or want to keep (a working one only, please :) and can supply them with a tax deduction receipt for the donation!).
   
•  Donations, donations, donations  - In less than a five-month space of time, TLC was hit by over $11,000+ in vet fees for just three dogs (all under 18 months old).  While some vets will give discounts to rescue groups that are registered non-profits by the IRS, many do not - their veterinary practices have been hit just as hard by the economy.  We can ALWAYS use financial donations - even a small amount might just be enough for us to go ahead and save that next needy dog before they are put down.  Donations can be a one-time thing or set up to reoccur every month with your credit card.  And if you need an additional receipt for your taxes, just let us know!