Hello everyone-
I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of the holiday season. With the season comes some very
cold weather. We have already had snow here in the high desert and winter has not officially started.
Most of the rescue dogs are in foster care up here. Our climate is quite harsh and the rescues have
some specific needs. Many of you know that with the numbers in rescue, not all of the dogs have the
luxury of being inside with us. While toys and chews are always welcome, the more immediate needs
are;
Food- the dogs calorie intake goes up significantly when it's cold. Our nights have been in the teens &
twenties before wind chill is calculated. They can consume twice as much food to keep their bodies
warm at this time of year.
Blankets- They can be old or new (the dogs don't care). Preferably ones without fiberfill (comforters)
as the dogs like to eviscerate the fun, fluffy, white stuff! If that's all you can donate, I'm sure we can
find a dog or 5 that will not "de-stuff" them. We use the blankets in the crates to keep the inside dogs
warm.
Towels- Same as above, also for drying off the dogs when they insist on going out in the rain/snow.
And we all know they do!
Carpet Remnants/samples- These are most ideal for cutting to fit into crates. Please, only unused on
this item, as sanitation/sterilization can be a bit awkward this time of year. (they take forever to dry)
Grass- Yep grass-! It's what we use for the outside dogs to bed their dog houses. Blankets tend to get
wet and then freeze. The grass keeps the dogs above any moisture, nice, warm, & dry. It takes
numerous beddings to get the dogs through winter.
Now I realize you might not want to put a big 'ol bale of grass in your nice new car, so how about a $$$
donation. The foster homes up here all have trucks to go and pick it up and the outside dogs would be
so appreciative.
Collars- new or old (the dogs don't care). Flat, buckle collars are best, please no choke chains! We
have in the past been able to purchase collars at the 99¢ stores, but the quality has gone down and all
they seem to do is break. We did recently get a nice donation of new collars, but we went have used
them up.
Leashes- New or used is fine. This is the most forgotten item when the adopters come up. We have
run out and again have not found them at the 99¢ stores lately. Not to be too picky, but no retractables.
We do not advocate their use as there is no control with them.
Not necessary, but certainly appreciated by all the rescues are chews. It helps the dogs to pass the
time we make them stay inside when the weather is so nasty. Rawhides are fine, but please make sure
they are the pressed type. The ones with knots can be untied and the dog can ingest the whole thing
causing impaction of their stomach. All time favorites here are the beef hooves (a 10 pack @ PetSmart
for $7.99). Pigs ears are great too, they just don't last as long. All will be appreciated by the dogs.
So how about it? The blankets & towels might be old, ratty (to you) but very usable by the dogs. What
about a trip to your local thrift store? I know blankets can be had and you help support your "other"
local charity. Have any old collars or leashes? Maybe your dog has outgrown them?
You can bring the items up to any of the Doggie Events and help make the dogs more comfortable this
winter. If you can't make the party, won't you consider a $$$ donation to help purchase these items?
Thank you for thinking rescue first!
If you can't make the Christmas Party - or any of
our events though out the year you may send
donations
DONATIONS MAY BE MAILED TO:
BORDER COLLIE RESCUE CA
Post Office Box 290426 Phelan CA 92329-0426
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