Minutes from the gorgeous homes in La Quinta, well over 200 mostly free roaming, mostly owned dogs and maybe 150 more loose cats live outdoors in the tick infested dirt 24/7 , including in up to 120 degree summers in extremely challenged trailer park and/or desert conditions in and near Thermal, California.

Because their owners barely have the resources to take care of themselves, these dogs (and cats), through no fault of their own, breed, live with, and not infrequently die of ...

*life-threatening tick-borne blood infections...(we have seen several slow and painful deaths per year)

*horrendous skin problems and infections due to living on hard dirt,

including mange

• Severe tick infestations

• Chronic skin problems and infections due to constant exposure to dirt, including mange, a miserable and ongoing condition

• Multiple intestinal parasites causing swollen bellies, thin extremities, bloody diarrhea, and malnutrition

Plus not infrequent injuries from being hit by cars. We often see old fractures resulting in chronic pain and limping.

We work directly with residents and provide assistance with their knowledge and permission when a dog has an owner.

UPDATE: An Update on Our Rescue Efforts

Our rescue efforts have now separated into two independent groups.

No Animal Should Live Like This will continue under my management. I will continue signing up and helping implement spay/neuter services and will focus primarily on medical care, medications, and veterinary visits for dogs in need.

Susie Cook and her partners are continuing their rescue work separately and will clarify their mission when they launch their new GoFundMe.

As soon as I have their new fundraising link, I will post it here so supporters can learn more about their work as well.

Thank you so much for continuing to care about these dogs and support the work being done for them.

Important Transparency Note

Because the need is constant, unending, and there is no fixed endpoint, we may occasionally increase the fundraising goal so it reflects the real, ongoing cost of care.

As of June 19, 2026, approximately:

85% ...of your donations have been spent for medical and other welfare

related expenses of the Thermal Desert Dogs,

2.9%...to GoFundMe fees, and

12%..... is available for the next urgent medical/welfare expenses

In some cases, owners ask for help placing (rehoming) their dogs or puppies, and we assist when requested. This process often requires veterinary care, vaccinations, medications, and medical clearance which also require funds for vet and medical fees—these dogs rarely begin with a clean bill of health.

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We Are Raising Funds for Veterinary care and associated costs for the general wellbeing of the dogs

Every dollar goes directly toward

• Reducing suffering

• Stabilizing health

• Helping dogs become well enough for foster or adoption when owners request placement and when fosters or adopters are available

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Important Note***

During the donation process, GoFundMe may suggest a “tip.”

You are welcome to set this to $0—this does not affect your donation to the dogs.

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Thank you for listening, caring, and making a real difference ❤️