Animal Allies $50,000 grant challenge expires Dec. 30

On Oct. 18 a dog was brought to Animal Allies' staff with a sever skin disorder. He could barely walk. His paws were swollen. He didn't have any hair. And his skin was covered with painful scabs. ... His breed wasn't even identifiable.

"When I first met him, the doctor called me back and wanted to show me the dog because it was a special case," said Animal Allies' Madeleine Robins. "He was curled up in a ball and would whine every time he moved because he hurt so bad."

The dog was suffering from demodectic mange. While it doesn't kill animals outright, without medical treatment a secondary infection can.

After getting treated by the shelter's veterinarian and getting lots of love and support from the people at the shelter, this dog became their miracle -- which is exactly what they named him.

What was once a dog that could barely walk without crying out in pain is now a "Miracle" that is acting like a normal puppy.

"After a couple weeks of treatment, he came into the shelter and acted like a puppy again," Robins said. "He's a great dog."

Robins and the other employees at Animal Allies believe Miracle is about five-and-a-half months old.

The dog, since identified as a pit bull mix, was just adopted this past week. Because of the service he received at the shelter, he was given a second chance at being a puppy.

Miracle isn't the only dog that has suffered from mange or infection. There are animals all over the country in need of care.

"Because we have a veterinarian on staff, we are able to provide care for these animals at a greatly reduced cost," Robins said.

Animal Allies is a not-for-profit company and needs everyone's help to give animals like Miracle a second chance for a better life. Donations are very critical for all the animals' lives. Currently, Animal Allies is specifically raising money for a grant.

"Miracle is our face for the Dave Goldberg Family Challenge Grant, which is a $10,000 challenge grant," Robins said.

The challenge is that if Animal Allies raises $50,000 by Thursday, Dec. 30, the Dave Goldberg family will donate another $10,000 to help animals like Miracle get into the shelter's programs.

Anyone can donate by calling Animal Allies, going to their office or visiting their website and donating online. Donations are accepted year-round, but the current grant challenge does expire Dec. 30.

"We're about $5,000 short and we have one more week to raise the funds," Robins said. "I have faith that people in our community will step forward to help the homeless pets in our communities."

In addition to the Dave Goldberg Family Challenge Grant, Animal Allies is also committed to Campaign for Zero, which aims to end euthanasia of healthy pets in Duluth.

As recently as 2005, the city had to euthanize 711 cats and dogs -- most of which were healthy.

In partnership with the city of Duluth, Maurices and Northland Spay/Neuter Clinic, Campaign for Zero organizers hope to raise funds to end the unnecessary killing of pets.

Robins and everyone else that works and volunteers at Animal Allies hopes that they can raise the funds to make sure that every healthy animal that walks in their doors can find a home.

NEWS TO USE
If Animal Allies raises $50,000 by Thursday, Dec. 30, the Dave Goldberg family will donate another $10,000 to help out the organization. To donate, call 722-5341 or visit www.animalallies.net .