A Falls Church animal rescue center has received a $100,000 grant thanks to the story of an overlooked mother dog who got adopted.
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation was one of 10 national winners of the Petco Love Stories initiative, which provided grants of $10,000 to $100,000 to animal rescues and shelters. Petco Love surprised the foundation on Wednesday with a check to support its rescue work.
The story of Yuki and her adopter captured the attention of the national nonprofit.
When Yuki and her nine puppies arrived at Falls Church-based Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, the puppies quickly got adopted. But the mother dog had to wait more than seven months to find a family of her own.
Then along came Anna Ridge, who found Yuki through volunteering for the rescue.
“Adopting Yuki has changed everything,” Ridge said. “She’s made our home louder, funnier and infinitely warmer. She’s taught us to slow down and laugh more, to find joy in the little things, and to let love take center stage in the everyday.”
Dawn Wallace, executive director of the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, told ARLnow the rescue takes in and finds homes for about 1,700 to 2,000 dogs and cats each year. More than 800 volunteers support the rescue in a variety of roles, including dog walking and handling, cat care and rescue center operations.
The grant will help the organization with its animal rescues, urgent medical care, spay and neutering and other care for pets served at its rescue center.
“This support will allow Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation to save even more cats and dogs, while continuing to provide the enrichment, care and nurturing environment they need throughout their journey to adoption,” Wallace said.
Since 2013, Petco Love has received over 25,000 love stories from adopters and awarded more than $8 million to animal welfare organizations through the initiative. The organization encourages other adopters to look for pets from their local shelters and rescues.
“There are so many pets in shelters who need loving homes and adoption gives them that chance at a new beginning and the care, compassion and love they deserve,” said Petco Love spokesperson Crystal Bugary.
