I’m starting this fundraiser because I care deeply about pets and I see an immediate need in my community. A neighbor of mine regularly adopts dogs surrendered to shelters. Recently, he took in a dog who is partly blind and in need of a wheelchair, and he is doing everything he can to give that dog a safe and loving home. Nearby, another family agreed to get their little girl a Maltese she saw on social media, not realizing how expensive grooming and care would be. Then a job was lost, the costs added up too quickly, and now their puppy is badly matted and behind on shots. They love their dog — but they don’t know what to do next. Across the country, millions of pets enter shelters each year, with dramatic increases after the holidays and again in early spring — not because they aren’t loved, but because families become overwhelmed. Puppies and kittens children beg for and promise to care for quickly become more responsibility than expected. It’s not a child’s job, and it’s hard for parents if they weren’t prepared. Pets are like little people: get through the toddler phase, and you have a friend for life.

At first, everything feels joyful. The puppy is cute. The kitten is tiny. Then reality sets in. Dog food runs out. Teething begins. Shoes become chew toys. Potty training takes longer than expected. Everyone is working. No one is home enough. Then come the costs: grooming for high-maintenance dogs, first vaccines, spay and neuter surgery, food, and supplies. Pretty soon, that adorable puppy or kitten doesn’t feel so adorable anymore. This is not because families don’t care — it’s because they weren’t prepared for the “toddler phase.” To make sure every dollar goes as far as possible, I’ve connected with local shelters and spay/neuter clinics who are ready to help with this mission. I’ve also learned just how expensive basic care can be. Puppies need DHPP (distemper/parvo combination), rabies, and sometimes bordetella shots. Kittens need FVRCP (distemper combination) and rabies. These common shots and procedures add up quickly, and many families simply can’t afford them on their own.

That’s why I’m starting this fundraiser: to help these two dogs right now, and to launch Keep Pets at Home, a service that provides short-term help with grooming, basic care, and access to affordable services. This isn’t lifelong charity — it’s a bridge to help families get through the hardest stage of pet ownership, so pets don’t end up in shelters simply because families were overwhelmed. No shame. Just support. One grooming. One ride. One bag of food. One pet kept at home. Please help me support these two dogs and build a bridge for more families and pets in need. Your donation will make a real difference for pets who just need a little extra help to stay at home where they belong.

Many of you are pet lovers yourselves, you see the pain and wish you could help—this is a way everyone, in a small way, can make a huge difference. If you want to share a story about rescuing a pet, or if your pet is a rescue, please share a picture. Please share this post, especially with all your pet friends. I’d love to see your pet pictures below!