In 2018, it was reported that 56% of dogs that entered animal shelters were euthanized. A heartbreaking number when shelters report that approximately 80% of those dogs were healthy and/or treatable and could have been adopted into new homes. While the number of dogs euthanized has declined somewhat over the years, this decline can be partially explained by an increase in the percentage of animals adopted from rescues and shelters. A survey conducted by APPA National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 44% of dogs were adopted from a shelter or rescue in 2018. This is why the work of rescues, such as Southern California Bulldog Rescue, is so critical, not only for the well-being of these animals, but for the humans who benefit physically and emotionally from their companionship as well. Southern California Bulldog Rescue is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to provide shelter, re-homing assistance and funds for over 100 bulldogs each year. These dogs come to us from animal shelters, other rescue groups and owners who wish to surrender their canine family members. We help these homeless bulldogs find loving homes in the Southern California area. Completely volunteer driven, a core group of dedicated individuals is responsible for the day-to-day work to ensure the bulldogs in our care are ready to be adopted and are successful in their new homes. Volunteers’ responsibilities include fostering bulldogs in their homes, completing home checks of prospective adoptive families, picking up bulldogs from shelters, transporting them to adoption events and veterinary appointments, facilitating the adoption process and following up with families to ensure the adoption match is successful. Volunteers also coordinate and execute the organization’s fundraising events, which is critical to supporting our work as we rely solely on public support for revenue. Over the past eleven years, Southern California Bulldog Rescue has placed over 1,000 bulldogs in permanent homes. Currently, we have 80 bulldogs in foster care awaiting families at any given time, a record number that unfortunately reflects the ongoing need for our work. Many of the bulldogs in our care are older and have myriad health issues that have been exacerbated due to lack of basic health care. It is these senior bulldogs that are most in need of our support. We have found these older bulldogs thrive when adopted by seniors as they tend to receive the focused care and attention that an older adult can happily provide. It is in support of the care and adoption efforts for these senior bulldogs that I respectfully nominate this worthy organization! Thank you for considering them!
