NorCal Cocker Rescue

Needs

Medical Expenses:

In 2021, over $158,000 or 89%, of the NCCR operating budget was spent in support of the medical needs of the dogs that were taken in. These expenses included costs related to the standard intake process for each NCCR dog this includes a physical assessment, spay/neuter (if it has not been done previously), heartworm testing, updated vaccinations, microchipping, and dental evaluation. A few of our intake dogs will test positive for heartworm and must undergo a 3+ month regime of expensive medication, and a large percentage require dental attention, which can range from a "simple" cleaning to major extractions, etc.

Approximately 85% of NCCR dogs have serious heath and/or behavioral issues that must be addressed prior to becoming a candidate for adoption into loving forever homes. Typical breed related health issues such as "Cherry Eye," cataracts, mammary tumors, and skin issues/allergies often require specialist surgeries and treatments, such as eye removal and ear ablation, ongoing medications and special diets, and behavioral specialist consultation.

Donations to NCCR will help defray medical costs and allow us to continue to rescue dogs with special needs with the goal of rehabilitating them for placement into forever homes.

NCCR is an all-volunteer organization. We have a core volunteer base of approximately 10-15, with additional on-call volunteers and foster families to support the rescue effort. Volunteer opportunities include fostering, transport, performing home safety checks, adoption event staffing, sewing/crafting items for sale, special event staffing, outreach activities (newsletter, social media), and whatever other talents you have that might support our effort. Please consider sharing your time and expertise with NCCR.

NCCR welcomes in-kind donations of gift cards to pet stores, pet food supplies, etc. Our dogs especially like Nyla Bones and balls. We appreciate the support of animal care professionals (Vets, Groomers, etc.) and welcome donated or discounted services. We are registered with both Amazon.com and Chewy.com with wish lists for direct item contributions.

Foster Homes:

A major component of the NorCal Cocker Rescue philosophy is that none of the dogs we take in will be put into a commercial kennel when in our care. We believe that placing each dog is a foster care/home situation allows for observation of the dog's personality and traits, determination of placement needs, and socialization in a normal home setting. Very simply, we want to get to "know" each dog and thus are more likely to have a successful placement when adopted. In order to apply and honor this philosophy, we need loving families/individuals to open their homes and hearts to a NorCal foster dog. NCCR will pay all medical expenses, you provide the experience and love while the dog awaits his/her forever home. A warning though, many NCCR foster families become "foster failures" when their NCCR foster dog wins their forever heart!

Our annual picnic is the major fundraising effort. Held each year on the 2nd Sunday in September at Elk Grove Regional Park, in 2023 over 85 people and 35 dogs attended. The Picnic is an important event that not only builds the NCCR community, but also raises funds that represent approximately 10% of our annual operating budget. These funds are generated through entrance fees, silent auction, basket raffles, and craft sales.

We are seeking in-kind donations of food for the event, silent auction items (hotel nights, trips, restaurants, jewelry, quality items, etc.), items/baskets for raffles, and entertainment.