Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Animal Lovers,

As we approach the end of the year, Carlsbad Cares Animal Rescue and Sanctuary wants to share a few stories from the heart—stories that reflect why we do what we do, and why we’re humbly asking for your support.

Meet Bruno, our proud rooster and the unexpected beginning of our beautiful poultry family. I used to pet-sit him, and when his owners moved away, we couldn’t imagine him being without a home. We took him—and his little flock—in, and they continue to brighten our days with their quirky, loving personalities.

Then there’s Princess, the tiny white terrier we found starving in a pecan grove. Her condition broke our hearts. We rushed her to the vet, and after significant medical care (and a whole lot of love), she’s blossoming. Princess is healing beautifully and will soon be ready for a warm, safe, forever home.

And sweet Oreo, the black and white kitty rescued from outside the Social Security office.

Once scared and hungry, she’s now resting comfortably with a full belly—and to our surprise, a belly full of babies, too. She’s safe, loved, and preparing to be a wonderful mama. She and her little family will all find loving homes when the time comes though us and our rescue partners.

These are just a few of the many souls we’ve helped this year.

In 2025, we’ve rescued over 200 kittens, along with countless cats, dogs, chickens, ducks, turtles, and even two rats. It has been a most successful—and fulfilling—year. We are incredibly proud of what this small, determined rescue has been able to accomplish.

But with success comes great expense.

As the year ends, our funds have dropped to a critically low level. We’re facing rising vet bills, food costs, and ongoing care for the many animals depending on us every single day. We desperately want to continue saying yes to the helpless and the forgotten—but we cannot do it alone.

$35 buys Bruno and his girls their favorite protein treats.

$33 buys a can of life saving KMR kitten formula.

$25 can feed our large feral cat colonies wet food for a week.

$20 buys a bag of dry cat food.

$15 buys chicken scratch.

$10 can buy cans of dog food.

$5 can buy 2 cans of baby kitten food.

If you’re able, please donate. No amount is too small—truly. And if you can, please share our fundraiser to help us reach others who care about animals as much as you do.

From Bruno and his flock, from Princess, from Oreo and her future babies, from the hundreds of lives we’ve touched this year—and from us—we wish you a warm, safe, beautiful holiday season.

With gratitude and love,

Kitty Stuart, our team and the animals at

Carlsbad Cares Animal Rescue and Sanctuary