For years, I've tried to help animals without asking anyone for help.

First, I want to reassure everyone that we are not in any financial crisis. We are doing okay, and this fundraiser is not about keeping a roof over our heads.

The challenge is that the number of messages and calls we receive about animals needing our help continues to grow, and so do the costs of providing proper care. We simply can't keep absorbing those increasing expenses on our own without it eventually taking away from our own family and finances. Unfortunately, there have been times when I've had to say no because I simply couldn't afford to help.

Many of you know that I used to own a pet store that also operated as an animal rescue. During the years we were open, we helped over 2,000 animals. When the building was sold, I closed the store, but I didn't stop rescuing and helping animals. I was simply limited without the income from the store and the space it provided. Instead, I moved the rescue into a room we built in our home.

Today, I care for anywhere from 20 to 30 abandon, sick or injured animals at a time, down from the 200 or so we could care for through the store. Many of these animals have been abandoned, surrendered, have special needs, or are facing the heartbreaking choice of being surrendered or euthanized.

I've always been proud of doing it on my own. I wanted to be the one helping others, not the one asking for help from the people who bring me animals or from those who have supported me over the years. But the reality is that the costs continue to rise, and if I want to keep helping animals in our community and across the province as I always have, I can't continue to do it alone without it taking away from my own family and personal pets.

Last year alone, I spent approximately:

$7,000 on veterinary care and medications

$3,000 on food

$1,500–$2,000 on supplies

That doesn't include the countless hours spent feeding, cleaning, transporting, rehabilitating, and caring for these animals every single day while also working 40–60 hours a week as a youth care worker.

Many of my supporters, friends, and family have encouraged me over the years to start a fundraiser or create a way for people to contribute. I've finally decided to listen. I've created a GoFundMe, and I'll also provide an email address [email redacted] for anyone who would rather make a donation without using GoFundMe. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the financial burden and allow me to continue giving abandoned and neglected animals the care they deserve.

If you're able to donate, thank you so much. If not, simply sharing this post would mean the world to me.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward caring for the animals, and I'll continue sharing updates so you can see exactly how your support is making a difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has believed in me and supported what I do over the years. Together, we can continue giving these animals the second chance they deserve. ❤️