For many years now, the Santa Cruz SPCA , a non-profit and no-kill shelter, has been run from a small house built in the 1930’s. The roof  leaks, the plumbing is problematic, and the original electrical wiring continually requires work.     Staff members and little dogs greet visitors in what was once the tiny living room where desks are huddled between walls lined with dog crates. The tiny bedrooms are now cat rooms and offices, and stacks of supplies overflow from every nook and cranny. The tiny bathroom is used for grooming and sometimes as an isolation room.

    Yes, “tiny” is the operative word for the entire facility, including the dogs--the lack of space severely limits both the number and size of  animals that can be rescued, and they cannot accept big dogs.

     Outside, numerous fenced enclosures serve as daytime play areas for the little dogs, with blankets and pads covering the asphalt, and gardeners’ cloth providing shade from the sun. These play pens compete for square footage with a motley collection of Rubber Maid storage closets and home-made lean-to’s.

    In spite of the difficulties, everything is clean and it’s obvious that the animals are well loved and cared for.  Our community is blessed by the people who staff our Santa Cruz SPCA.  Despite the inadequate environment they work in, they remain passionate about what they do and the creatures they care for.  They are guided by Lisa Carter, executive director, who walked away from a six-figure salary in the commercial world nine years ago in order to make a difference.

    She has succeeded in acquiring land for a new shelter, but now we need your help to make the dream of a new shelter possible.  Her plans are not lavish or grandiose, but depict a comfortable and practical use of space and money.  The aim is to provide a 5,000 square-foot structure plus large and spacious yards for the dogs and cats.  Their focus will be on better sanitation, more state-of-the-art and energy-efficient facilities, as well as added space for the animals.

    In Lisa Carter’s words:

    “Our hope for the new year is that we will be able to raise the funds to build a new shelter.  This will increase our ability to help animals in ways we simply cannot do now.  Whereas now we are limited to the size and number of dogs we rescue, a new shelter will enable us to take dogs of all sizes.  We will be able to rescue from a greater number of shelters.  We will be in a position to be a more solid presence in the case of a disaster.

    Why am I telling you this?  Because I know how deeply you care about the precious beings we are so fortunate to care for.  You need to know that there would be no such place for us or the animals if it weren’t for the huge role you play in our lives.  As we embark on our journey toward a more animal-friendly, safe and suitable facility for our little friends, I thank you for so generously helping us reach that goal.  We cannot do this without you.”

    We offer here, art treasures from Santa Cruz’s finest artists, which you can view and purchase from the comfort of your own home with any major credit card or your paypal account.  And, while you’re indulging in the luxury of fine art, you’ll be building a new home for the rescued pets at Santa Cruz SPCA, so please join with us in making this worthy dream come true.

When one thinks of the SPCA, one thinks of animal rescue and sheltering, and the Santa Cruz SPCA certainly does that, exceptionally well.  The Santa Cruz SPCA has executed full-scale national and international rescues, including the 5th largest animal airlift during hurricane Katrina/Rita.  They rehabilitate animals that have been damaged, both physically and mentally, traumatized and injured by natural disasters or abused and broken by cruel owners, and successfully adopt out an average of 150 dogs and cats every month.

What many of us aren’t aware of are the many other valuable services and programs the Santa Cruz SPCA provides, including...

HUMANE EDUCATION

Santa Cruz SPCA Humane Education programs teach compassion for all animals to children, as well as the community at large.

BLACKIE’S SENIOR FRIENDS

This is a special program providing financial assistance to senior citizens in order to enable them to care for their companion animals or assist with adoption fees for senior citizens adopting senior animals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

on all that our Santa Cruz SPCA does, visit their website at

www.santacruzspca.org

LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A critical SPCA program  providing free or low cost spay/neuters to economically challenged pet owners in Santa Cruz County.

SECOND CHANCE/ TANNER’S FUND

This unique fund enables the SPCA to provide extensive veterinary care for sick, injured, abused or neglected animals who would otherwise have to be euthanized.

HEATHER’S PET FOOD BANK

The pet food bank regularly distributes over 7,000 pounds of food a month to economically challenged and senior pet owners.

FREE TRAINING

Free classes are offered to people with newly adopted dogs who need help overcoming challenges, behavior issues and other common problems.

DISASTER RELIEF ASSISTANCE

When disaster strikes, the Santa Cruz SPCA is there to help.

PET LOSS SUPPORT

The group is based on the belief that grief needs to be shared in order for healing to happen. We are a story-telling and listening group.

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