The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF) in Arlington, Virginia, has secured a $100,000 grant from Petco Love, thanks to the story of a rescue dog named Yuki. Yuki was taken in from a rural Virginia shelter while pregnant and gave birth to nine puppies shortly after arriving at LDCRF's Rescue Care Center in Falls Church. After seven months, she was adopted by Anna Ridge and her husband.
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Ridge expressed her belief that they were rescuing Yuki, but noted that Yuki transformed their lives in many ways, describing how adoption can enrich routines, moods, and social activities. She shared her story through Petco Love's Petco Love Stories campaign, which invites pet adopters to share their experiences for a chance to win grants that support animal welfare.
On February 4, LDCRF was named one of ten organizations nationwide to receive this grant, which executive director Dawn Wallace called "truly lifesaving."
LDCRF, founded in 2001 by Arlington residents Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood, aims to rescue homeless animals. The foundation operates the Lost Dog Ranch in Sumerduck, Virginia, which provides outdoor space for dogs and a cage-free environment for cats. They also opened the Rescue Care Center in Falls Church in 2018 to accommodate dogs and cats awaiting adoption.
Aside from rescue efforts, McAlwee and Underwood launched the Lost Dog Café franchise, which donates a portion of its profits to animal rescue. The initial café opened in Westover in 1985, with several others following in the D.C. area.
Typically, LDCRF operates with a small paid staff, supported by about 800 volunteers who help place 1,700 to 2,000 animals into homes each year. Since its inception, LDCRF has rescued over 50,000 animals. Wallace noted that the average cost of adoption is approximately $950, which includes veterinary care, transportation, and operational costs.
The grant from Petco Love will primarily fund transportation for rescues from overcrowded shelters, as well as medical care and spaying or neutering for each animal entering the center. Wallace emphasized the commitment to saving lives through this financial support.
Ridge's submission to Petco Love Stories highlighted the profound impact of Yuki's adoption, illustrating how she brought joy and love into their lives. This touching narrative ultimately contributed to LDCRF's win, showcasing the life-changing benefits of pet adoption. To date, Petco Love has awarded $8 million to various animal welfare organizations across the country. This is LDCRF's first success in the campaign, and Wallace expressed gratitude for the recognition and hope it brings to their mission.