The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Falls Church has been awarded a $100,000 grant after an inspiring adoption story about a mother dog named Yuki. The foundation was one of ten national winners in the Petco Love Stories initiative, which provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to support animal rescues and shelters. Petco Love presented the foundation with the check on Wednesday.
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Yuki, along with her nine puppies, originally arrived at the foundation, where the puppies found homes quickly. However, Yuki waited over seven months before being adopted. Her new owner, Anna Ridge, connected with her through her volunteer work with 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, stated that the organization rescues and finds homes for about 1,700 to 2,000 dogs and cats each year, supported by over 800 volunteers who assist with various tasks including dog walking and cat care.
The grant will aid the foundation in enhancing its animal rescue efforts, covering urgent medical care, spay and neutering services, and other necessities for pets in its care. Wallace emphasized that the funding will enable the foundation to save more animals while providing essential care throughout the adoption process.
Since 2013, Petco Love has collected over 25,000 stories from pet adopters and has awarded more than $8 million to animal welfare organizations through this initiative. The organization advocates for adoption from 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 Crystal Bugary, spokesperson for Petco Love.