The rescue, which operates out of foster homes, has taken in several dogs over the past year that required significant veterinary care far outweighing the adoption fee for the animals, and the rescue's veterinary bill has grown to about $6,500.
Debra Fraker, founder and president of K9 Kindness Rescue, is hoping the fundraiser will bring in about $3,000 to help pay down the bill.
"We can't run that bill up forever, indefinitely," she said. "At some point in time they're going to tell me that 'We can't do anymore until you pay your bill.' And we can't go to another vet because we already owe one vet that much money."
Fraker said that while grants are available to rescues, they are mostly given for spay/neuter education and clinics, not for basic rescue work. So until the vet bill is paid down, K9 Kindness can no longer take in animals that need any medical treatment beyond flea and heartworm preventatives.
"I can't take in the dogs that need us the most, like the heartworm-positive dogs, like the shar pei we just found on the road the other day, like the schnauzer that was found with her eyes matted shut, lying on the asphalt road," she said. "Some of these dogs that have issues, that really need help, we can't take them as long as we have that kind of a vet bill."
The K9 Kindness Doggy Wash and Karnival will be held at PetCo, 3860 Elmore Ave., Davenport, Iowa. There will be games for children and animals and, of course, dog washing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18.
Microchipping will be available for $15. Dogs can be bathed for $5 if they are less than 20 pounds, $10 for dogs that weigh 20-50 pounds, and $15 for dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds.
A raffle will be held for the chance to win several prizes, including one night at the Courtyard at Marriott in Bettendorf, Iowa, gift baskets, gift cards to iTunes and PetCo, free pickup for one month from Doo Dah Dave and a handmade quilt. Several pet vendors also will be on hand, including a pet photographer.
K9 Kindness Rescue is a 501(c)3 organization, so donations to the rescue are tax-deductible and can be made at online at K9 Kindness' Web site.
Pop Quiz: When was the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth? >
Yes…actually brushed them, with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste (poultry or fish flavor, anyone?). If the answer is “uh…never,” you’re right in line with most pet people in the US. But your pet’s teeth need your attention. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats get periodontal disease by age three. At Petplan we see all the dental care claims that come in that could have been avoided with a few simple measures. And worse, this totally preventable disease can take two to five years off your pet’s life. So the time has come to brush up on your pet’s dental health. Here are just a few things to you can do to prevent dental disease in cats and dogs.
Brush daily. It can reduce tartar formation by as much as 95%.*
Dry it, you’ll like it. Try switching out your dog’s wet food for dry kibble. Dry food doesn’t adhere to teeth and promote bacterial growth as quickly.
Plaque Off! For pets who resist brushing, consider applying plaque prevention products for extra help. http://www.amazon.com/OraVet-Treatments-x-2-5-mL/dp/B000M5P8D2
It’s worth a shot. Help protect your pet from some types of bacteria that cause peridontal disease and tooth loss. Ask your vet about whether or not your pet would benefit from the Pfizer Porphyromonas vaccine.
Go with a Pro. Just like us, pets’ teeth are healthier and their smiles are brighter after having their teeth professional cleaned. If your vet thinks your pet’s teeth need to be cleaned, make sure to schedule the appointment. It’s a positive step for his long-term health (not to mention his breath).
*According to Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
