Anonymous Donor Gives Thousands For Animal Rescue's New Shelter
SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A Westmoreland County animal rescue organization has itself been rescued, and it's all thanks to an anonymous donor.
The animal shelter takes in dogs that have been abused, neglected or rescued from puppy mills. Until now, it's been relying on volunteers to take in the animals, but now they'll have a place all their own.
All But Furgotten Animal Rescue is not short on pets that need good homes.
"We have about six looking for homes, one special needs, and we have four cats," said Cassie Wilson, the shelter's treasurer.
However, the organization itself was looking for a home as well.
"We haven't been fully functioning for two years as an organization," said Erin Cassidy, one of the shelter's board members.
All But Furgotten animals were fostered at area homes by volunteers. But a permanent home for the group didn't look like a possibility.
"For a nonprofit organization, you need to be up and running for two years before a bank would consider even giving you a loan for a mortgage," says Wilson.
But then, someone stepped in. An anonymous benefactor donated $75,000 to facilitate the shelter.
"I don't know that we could have done this without her," said Cassidy.
"It means the world," added Wilson. "All these dogs that didn't have a chance are going to have an extra chance."
The loan bought a former dog kennel facility in Sewickley Township, and now the All But Furgotten animals will be forgotten no more.
"We have a lot that were on the kill list," Wilson said.
One of those animals is Timmy, a great dog with developmental challenges.
"He most likely would have had to been euthanized," said Cassidy. "He's required a lot of special therapy."
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The person who loaned the money maintains her identity isn't what's important. It's all about the animals.
"Our angel has a heart of gold," Wilson said. "She believes in us, believes in what we do."
There's still a lot work to get done. The shelter probably won't be operating for a while.
If you want more information on how you may be able to help out, visit: allbutfurgotten.com or facebook.com/AllButForgotten.
