Over 39,000 animals saved

Donating to animal shelters, whether through financial contributions, supplies, or time, is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to make a positive impact on your community and the lives of innocent animals. At Sammie’s Friends, we are bursting at the seams. For only one day in this past year, we were operating at only capacity. This month from a single home seizure we received 45 cats, including newborn kittens. Our cat facility capacity at the shelter is only 35 cats, and we were already full. A steady stream of puppies arrives weekly, many needing bottle feeding, veterinary care, and all needing to be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. We, as are most shelters around the country, are overwhelmed with animals who need urgent care, shelter and love. Sammie’s Friends cannot meet the increased demand without the support of our community through donations, volunteering and fostering. Donations directly translate into saving lives. When entire communities come together to support animal shelters, the positive effects ripple far beyond the shelter walls.

​

Every year, millions of animals find themselves homeless due to various circumstances — whether they’ve been abandoned by their owners, lost during natural disasters, or born as strays. For many, Sammie’s Friends and other shelters are the difference between survival and suffering on the streets. Veterinary services, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and daily meals all cost money, and shelters depend heavily on donations to meet these expenses. Without sufficient funds, even the most compassionate shelter staff can only do so much.

​

The largest challenge shelters face is animal overpopulation. When pets aren’t spayed or neutered, the number of unwanted litters skyrockets, leading to overcrowded shelters. Your donation helps reduce the cycle of overpopulation and homelessness, creating a long-term, sustainable impact for animal welfare.

​

Beyond simply housing animals, shelters invest in finding them permanent, loving homes. Adoption programs often require resources for marketing, outreach events, and staff training. Additionally, animals need medical and behavioral evaluations to ensure they are ready for adoption, and some require rehabilitation before they can become part of a family.

​

Shelters also focus on educating the public. Sammie’s Friends has an onsite animal behaviorist who provides training resources for new adopters and outreach to promote responsible pet ownership. Donations ensure that shelters can continue this important educational work, helping prevent neglect, abuse, and abandonment before they happen. By supporting animal shelters, you contribute to building a more humane society for both animals and humans.

​

While financial donations are always needed, shelters also rely on in-kind contributions such as food, toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, and medical equipment. These items help stretch tight budgets and ensure the animals live in clean, comfortable conditions while awaiting their forever homes. Please contact your local shelter to see what they need. Even small donations, like a can of dog food or a used blanket, can have a significant impact on an animal’s quality of life. Many local businesses have sponsored donation drives, which have been very helpful.

 

Your time is also a valuable gift. Volunteers assist shelters in many ways: walking dogs, socializing cats, helping at adoption events, and even offering administrative and office support. Donating your time fosters a deeper connection to your community and offers direct interaction with the animals you’re helping. Sammie’s Friends especially needs dog walkers at this time, so please sign up at sammiesfriends.org.

​

When you donate to an animal shelter, you’re doing more than offering a temporary fix. You’re investing in a mission built on compassion, responsibility, and hope. You’re helping a scared dog feel safe, giving a hungry kitten its first full meal, and offering shelter staff the tools they need to rescue and rehabilitate countless lives.

​

I’m excited to report that there’s a new non-profit formed to provide support to theGrass Valley animal shelter. We look forward to collaborating with Wayward Journey to improve the lives of all animals in Nevada County. More information about the new nonprofit can be found at waywardjourney.org.

​

Nevada County animals are fortunate to have a community that supports them, and community support needs have never been higher.