In a not-so-faraway land filled with ancient traditions, thousands of dogs struggle to survive in a harsh environment. The people of this land revere these dogs as they do all of nature. Life, however, is a constant challenge for the people as well. Almost Home Foundation has chosen to rescue some of the puppies before the cruel, killing winter comes. But they cannot do it without your help. In particular, foster homes are urgently needed.
Pine Ridge Reservation is a Native American Indian reservation in South Dakota. The community, nestled within the ethereal beauty of the Badlands, is the poster child of poverty as Nicholas Kristoff of the New York Times has dubbed it. The area played a major role in U.S. history, and has been newsworthy because of its struggles in recent decades.
These babies will probably not survive the winter
Because of the combination of extreme poverty and cultural beliefs, dogs roam the land un-neutered, malnourished, with many diseased from mange, distemper, or parvovirus. Vaccinations are often unheard of, and the sheer number of these animals leads to competition for food sources. If dogs don’t die from any of these circumstances, many will succumb to the wicked winter weather which averages 10-20°F. It’s a hard life for the dogs of Pine Ridge Reservation, and all too often a shortened one as well.
Double trouble and double the joy
Now, before winter winds begin to blow, we have an opportunity to offer a bright future for some of those dogs. Almost Home Foundation was asked to help, and has chosen to take in at least 25 of them. They’ll be in transport – on their 17-hour rides to a better life – any day now. We just need to secure temporary homes for them.
Will smile for a place to stay and a little lovin’
As an all-volunteer, 501c(3) foster home-based rescue organization in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, Almost Home Foundation can only take care of as many pets as they have foster homes for. Currently, there are about 125 dogs and about 160 cats under the care of AHF. 25 more dogs means more homes are desperately needed.
Food, supplies, and medical expenses are all covered by the organization; fosters provide the love and a temporary home.
This shy Sheepdog with blue eyes needs someone to help her overcome her fears
We’re all well aware of the special reverence Native American Indians have for nature and all living things. There’s no doubt the Pine Ridge community loves their dogs – there’s also no doubt they’re in no position to adequately protect and provide for them.
So often we feel overwhelmed by such tremendous situations – that there’s too much that needs to be done and we’d never be able to do it all. Like the story of the starfish, though, we may not be able to help them all – but we can make a difference for some.
As a foster you can make a difference for that one. And that makes all the difference in the world.
*The dogs featured here are some of the pups in need of foster homes* Considering fostering? Check out Almost Home Foundation Foster Info, email puppyfoster101@aol.com, or call 630-582-3738.
If you wish to donate to help the people of this community, please see Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation. Their needs are great and every little bit helps enormously.
If you wish to donate to help with the expenses for the dogs, please see Almost Home Foundation. Just $1 can make a difference!
We live right outside a reservation with a very similar dog problem. Just driving on the outskirts, you see dozens of homeless dogs. These areas try their best to help all the dogs; they just don’t have the resources.
That must be so heartbreaking to see all those dogs. From the sound of it, these areas truly don’t have much of anything, and that’s perhaps even more heartbreaking!