Noah & I need your help |
I hate begging for help... but right now, I don't have much choice. I need your help, and yes... I'm begging for it.
I own a dog boarding business, Lucky Dog Retreat, and I donate more than half of my business facility (and nearly all of my income) to Lucky Dog Rescue. The income from boarding allows my rescue pups to live here for free.
Boarding is a seasonal business, and I depend on the busy weeks/months to give me any chance at all of paying my bills. Obviously, the holidays are the busiest time for travel... and dog boarding. Well... Thanksgiving is next week, and that's why I need you.
I'll disregard my pride and just be blatantly honest right now: the last few months, I've been struggling... really struggling, to pay the bills here. Fall is one of the slowest times of the year for boarding, and some days... many days, the tears flow... because I just don't know how I'm going to make it.
But even when I have no paying clients, the bills are still there... and so are my rescue dogs. Therefore, I still have to work every day, 7 days a week, without pay... and without much hope that I'll be able to get by.
Freddy & Pepsi need your help |
So, here's the deal: Thanksgiving week is one of my busiest weeks all year, and honestly, next week is my only shot at covering my bills this month. But in order to do that, every kennel space needs to be available for boarding business. And yet... more than half of those kennels are currently occupied by my rescue babies.
But with or without foster help, I'd never abandon my rescue dogs, which leaves only one option: turning away the income from clients, and rejecting any chance of paying my bills.
Let's just be real honest: if I can't pay the bills here... then eventually, my rescue dogs won't have anywhere to go. I cannot allow that to happen... but I need your help to make sure that it doesn't.
Right now, I'm going to do something that I truly hate doing: I'm going to beg. I'm begging each of you to help me keep the roof over my babies' precious little heads. I'm begging you to help them stay in their home. I'm begging you to help me ensure their futures.
Here's my request: Would you be willing to sponsor at least one of my rescue dogs for the week of Thanksgiving, so I don't have to choose between my bills and their needs? Would you be willing to help them stay "home" with me for the holiday? Would you be willing to give anything at all to my deserving little angels?
My boarding rate is $20 per day.
It's $140 to board one dog for 7 days.
It's $100 to board one dog for 5 days.
But any amount at all would be such an appreciated relief for me and my dogs.
Somehow, some way, I need to receive enough funding to board at least 25 rescue dogs here, for at least 7 days. And fast. That's $3500 total. And at the moment, tears are streaming down my face, because it just seems impossible.
But maybe... just maybe... you'll prove me wrong. I'm begging you. Please donate what you can, if you can, and PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!
PLEASE SPONSOR A LUCKY DOG FOR THANKSGIVING:
Miss. Ashley lunch is in an hour I'll send a donation then when I can sign into PayPal. <3
ReplyDelete-Deanne
Ashley, I posted a comment but I don't see it. Is it pending approval?
ReplyDeleteyou are such a wonderful Person,I wish more people would be like you. Thank you for caring :-)
ReplyDeleteRespectful greetings from germany
Anonymous @ 1:09pm,
ReplyDeleteI don't use the Comment Approval option. Maybe there was just an error when you submitted. So sorry! Please re-post your original comment :)
I hit the donate button and it brought me to my paypal account, but it doesn't say where to send it to. Please give the email to send it to, and I will donate, but unfortunately it won't be very much.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeletePlease let me come and pick up a baby Wednesday to foster. I have so much love and a wonderful place for a dog. I have a HUGE fenced back yard, 3 kids that LOVE dogs, a warm couch and a HUGE HEART. I can't contribute financially, but I can help you open space to board for paying clients.
Leah
662-813-3019
We may even fall in love and give a dog a forever home.
Besides, I still want to host that raffle for you!!!! And Jenny has TONS of stuff she collected for your pups!
Yeah, the paypal link is a little confusing, I wanna make sure I do it right and you actually get the money
ReplyDeletePeople provide SUCH a valuable service when they temporarily foster a dog. Especially for you, during this very important Holiday Season!
ReplyDeleteI do hope that someone in your area (or even not in your area!) will be a HERO and help save lives, by taking a dog into their home for just a little while!
checks in the mail. God bless you and your animals
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI tried to donate, but the link took me to paypal, and it is asking for an email address to send it to. Can you post the email address? It might save some frustration for you, and those attempting to donate. Thank you!
I cant send much, but every bit will make a difference for you, I hope.
And, I spammed all of my friends on FB with this too.
I just donated! Hope you received everything you need and more to help your pups and yourself.... Hugs and kisses to you all!!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could send more but making a $100 donation. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThis breaks my heart but so thankful for you and people like you saving and helping rescue dogs!! Will definately donate some before thanksgiving, won't be able to do a full week as I am a single struggling parent but every little bit counts and hopefully if everyone can chip in some we could all help and continue to help you make a difference in these precious dogs lives! <3 Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI hit the donate button and it brought me to my paypal account, but it doesn't say where to send it to?
ReplyDeletei don't get paid until Wednesday and I KNOW what you're going through. Trust me, living on $6 for three days in NYC is gunna be a stretch for me. But what you're doing is amazing -- i posted it on my facebook -- and you'll have a donation from me when i get paid!
ReplyDeleteI went to this link and got in! Support is on the way! Be Blessed!
ReplyDeletehttp://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/p/donate.html
Hi, Ashley. I just donated to board a dog for a week. There was no place to put that it was specifically for that. It doesn't really matter, since it all goes to the same place, but just wanted you to know that I read your post and as usual, was touched, and wanted to help. Keep up the good work. Whenever things get bad (financially or otherwise), please post and let people know. I think people want to help when they can. I wish I could have a rescue, but I can't right now, but I will help whenever needed.
ReplyDeleteConsider one week paid for compliments of my foster pibble Gypsy!!! Love what you do and and why you do it. God Bless!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you anonymous at 1:27 your link works.
ReplyDeleteDonated :)
Hey y'all! SO sorry... I think the DONATE button is working now. Not sure what the issue was, but I think it's fixed, so please try again!
ReplyDeleteAnd THANK YOU!!!
You got it sista!
ReplyDeleteDonation sent! I have 7 dogs of my own and truly respect and admire all that you do for God's greatest gift to mankind - dogs. Thank you for being there. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteHey ash ill send some money a little later on tonight!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartwoarming response! I wish I could have sent more, but I agree with Marlene above that when you need help, please reach out to us! I hope the donations pour in and some more fosters come your way.
ReplyDeleteNadine,
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! Thank you! PS- That's the correct address, but I use the P.O. Box on the internet, for safety reasons.
Donated $50. Keep the Faith - $3,500 is only 35 people donating $100 dollars or 70 donating $50 or 140 donating $25 and so on - should be easy enough with as many followers of your blog/fb page!! :)
ReplyDeleteMade a donation, have a meeting at lunch so I sneaked online to make a donation. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I hope you have a great one and don't have to stress about money and paying the bills.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Trouble, Flair, and Deanne <3
Just donated as well. Hope and pray you get to your magic number quickly! You are amazing! Thank you for all that you do!
ReplyDeletei have signed up to donate $25.00 a month...i hope this helps with all you do!!! Please keep up the great work to keep our babies alive and well.
ReplyDeletechris
You will do it! I just donated too. Not as much as I would like but if everyone would do something you will get through the rough months. Blessings to you for all you do.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!! I wanted to share with you my all time favorite quote which sums up my life in just 3 sentences!!
ReplyDelete"I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Your one of my favorite rescues. When Ashley needs help, help is on the way.
ReplyDeleteCheck is in the mail!!! God Bless you and all you do!!!
ReplyDeleteYou should charge your boarders more, just a little more, if at all possible! During high school I ran my own dog-care business and charged $25 a day. (At first it was $24, a dollar for every hour, but people rounded up). And you're a fantastic person--they should be begging to pay you all you deserve. Aaanyway, barring that, I shall donate.
ReplyDeleteWish I could. Will tweet and Facebook this post.
ReplyDeleteI just donated, wish I could do more for you, but I hope it helps out.
ReplyDeleteI just donated 140 dollars for your beautiful Heidi! ;-) If I were in america I´d snatch her up in a heartbeat (and spoil her rotten)! Love the way she smiles....
ReplyDeleteAshley what you're doing for these dogs is so amazing. You are a wonderful person and I share the same passion for animals! I will donate what I Can and will definitely be spreading the word..I was thinking..if time permits, I could take a flyer around to the local vets offices here in Starkville and the customers can donate too, when would you need all the donations by? God bless you!
ReplyDeletemy son Brian sent $25.00 ...
ReplyDeleteI will send a check tomorrow. I wish I could afford more, but it does add up! Our rescue has to do the same thing...for our pups not in foster care, we have a boarding partner who allows us to board for a reduced rate, however during the holidays, she needs to accomodate her customers, so our volunteers step to the plate and open our homes. If I were in your state, I would do so, but hopefully a little money helps. Also sharing your post to my many dog loving friends. You WILL get through this! There is something magical about the holiday season. You and the pups will be ok.
ReplyDeleteYou are a godsend to society, especially to all the animals you're saving. I, together with my beloved rescue cats, Beans:) & Bagel:), will support you more on your mission to help the little furry angels who have nowhere else to go. I've made a donation that I hope will help in one way or another. Your Angel Rudy is watching over you so please do not be too sad. Sometimes it might seem like all hope is lost but have faith in humankind. There will always be those who will help great people like you who are the very epitome of how it is to be human. Thank you for being the way you are.
ReplyDeleteI have made a donation Ashley. The work you do is amazing and appreciated, all around the world. Much love to you and the dogs! Never be ashamed to ask for help when you need it. You're not alone.
ReplyDeleteHappy to donate $75.00. Hope this helps. I think you are beyond fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteAshley, just made a donation for 7 days of board for one of your animals. You are doing good work. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteNever be ashamed to ask. You are a amazing person who has dedicated your life to your passion
ReplyDeleteI will donate tonight when I get home. You are the reason I'm doing what I'm trying to do in my community. My town Caldwell county in north Carolina, Lenoir has euthanized over 3400 animals this year and only adopted out less than 200..... I'm trying to promote and share those animals so attention can be brought to my area. Hopefully I Can get my rescue off the ground and follow ur lead. Will all those please stand with me and LIKE my rescue page Among. ANGELS ANIMAL RESCUE. I one day hope to be a person like. ASHLEY OWEN HILL A TRUE ANGEL AMONG US....... ASHLEY IF U READ THIS PLEASE VISIT MY LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETY PAGE AND MY PERSONAL PAGE AS WELL...... WITH UR FOLLOWING MAYBE MY EFFORTS WILL BE MULTIPLIED.... BECAUSE U WAS THE ONE WHO SAVED MY LIFE AND AWAKENED MY SOUL. GOD BLESS YOU. THANKS. COLLEEN BYRD GRANITE FALLS NC. visit Caldwellhumanesociety and petpartners and Caldwell animal rescue. I will donate tonight to cover 5 days.....
As far as I can tell, the donation page is working - I was able to make one and hopefully it went through. I'll check my email in a bit and see if I got the confirmation. I wish I was closer to be able to do a foster for you but hopefully the week's boarding will help. Will post about it on FB and on our blog as well.
ReplyDeleteI would like to send money via a check. is there a P O BOX address to mail a check to instead of Pay Pal~ ? ~Michelle
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteMy P.O. Box is listed at the bottom of the post. Here it is!
Lucky Dog Rescue
P.O. Box 3224
Meridian MS 39303
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Shared on FB and donated - no problem with paypal. Bless you Ashley.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather not see this at all since I was deleted by you.
ReplyDeleteDonation on its way. Wish I had more to send. Keep your spirits up - you do wonderful work!
ReplyDeleteIgnoring the response above...I'm donating later tonight! Don't stress too much, you have toooo many amazing followers to let you fall! xoxo
ReplyDeletejust donated...bless you for everything you do!!
ReplyDeleteJust donated $40. I wish it could be more. I hope you get all the money you need and more
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say: the earlier comment (above) was only deleted was because it listed the physical address, instead of the P.O. Box. It was a very sweet, generous comment, but I removed it only to delete the address info, for safety reasons.
ReplyDeleteTo Anon @5:15pm,
No idea what you're talking about, or why you'd click the link to come here if you didn't want to see my blog.
Sent and done, Ashley. :D We received a small, surprise bonus from my husband's job today...everything happens for a reason! Bless you for your loving, compassionate heart!
ReplyDeleteI'm beyond touched by all of your amazing words and generosity. I just don't know how to thank y'all for caring so much, and for putting that into action. You are AMAZING! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust sent my donation so that you can board one dog for 5 days. Ashley, you will be rewarded time and time again for all of the wonderful things you do everyday. Keep on saving and don't ever feel like you can't ask for help!
ReplyDeleteGuys and gals let's not only help Ashley get her $3500 goal, but let's smash that so that she can concentrate on taking care of the dogs instead of worrying about money. What do you say? Who is up to the challenge? I'd like to see her get $10K or more on this fundraising effort because I know she will put the funds to get use. :)
ReplyDeleteAshley, Could you let us know once/if you reach your $3500 goal? I can see where you should be over $1500 by now. Have Faith, I know we can all do this for you and the dogs.
ReplyDeleteAshley, you are such an amazing inspirational person!!! I will send something your way later in the week. I can't afford much as I have 3 kids but I will repost. You are truly an angel and a voice for these wonderful creatures <3
ReplyDeletelmao @anon 5:15pm... i think i remember you being deleted from the blog after arguing with me (and Ashley)!
ReplyDeleteSo in spirit of fair play, I'll donate on behalf of myself AND on your behalf as well. It's the least i can do for my favorite online rescuer!
I really wish I could help. If you were located anywhere near New Hampshire, I would gladly take a few dogs off your hands for the week. I re-posted your request on my wall. I hope you get some help. Good Luck!
ReplyDeletehmmm...i can't get paypal to open in Internet explorer or google chrome...I will try again tmw.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the amazing work you do and somehow I will get a donation to you somehow !
I LOVE everything you do!! It wasn't much, but just sent what I could & shared with my Facebook peeps. Thank you for all you do.
ReplyDeletePlease NEVER feel bad asking for help. That's what we are all here for... to help one another anytime we can! We love you and are happy to do anything we can!
We have no extra cash this month since 4 of our 5 pets needed vaccinations. However, I'm supposed to get a bonus December 1st and I plan to share some of it with you. It won't be in time for Thanksgiving, but hopefully it will still help!
ReplyDeletePippa-I just love you!!!!
ReplyDeleteDana
Hey! i just donated for one dog for the week. keep up your amazing work!
ReplyDeleteI failed to help before, but I'm happy to help now. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! The world is a much better place with people like you and that's definitely something to be thankful about.
ReplyDeleteI just donated $30.00, on behalf of my 11 year old daughter. We are animal lovers and she has been so inspired by you....she even became a vegetarian. We know it's not much, but hope that it helps you to continue the good fight.
ReplyDeleteWow! Look what you have created. You are an inspiration to a lot of people and what a difference you have made to the world. My weeks donation seemed to go through without problems. Looks like this is an answer to your prayers!
ReplyDeleteLost our little Tika-girl a couple of years ago. Today would be her birthday if she were still with us. I can't think of a better way to honor her memory than to help support such a worthy cause. Sent money to board a dog for 7 days. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you said something and didn't let pride stand in the way. Those dogs are blessed with your love. Donation on the way! May God bless you. D
ReplyDeleteHope our little donation helps! From Cali with Love for you and your doggies!
ReplyDeletedear ashley: i'm so sorry that you are struggling financially. i'm sending you a check that will help you some. i wish i could give you my heart as i think that you deserve alot more than anyone could give me.
ReplyDeleteI'm broke...Just to be honest....but I have a 40lb bag of puppy food to get me by until after Thanksgiving and I can share......I'm in Memphis but I could foster a pup for Thanksgiving....
ReplyDelete=) Would that help?
bluescitygirl@live.com
Ashley - I set up a recurring monthly donation, and will contribute again for the holidays as well as soon as I get paid, but I also have blankets, toys, towels, and treats for your rescues - only I don't know how to get them to you ? I'll ship them to you if you can let me know where to? I'm not sure the size of your PO Box ;)
ReplyDeleteHunnysaurus@gmail.com
XoXo,
Shelley and Griff (my rescued Presa Canario mushy faced, bed-hogging, cuddle monster =D )
I donated what I had in my Pay Pal account, it was easy and painless. Also posted to my FB wall in hopes others will do the same. We have three rescue dogs of our own, I couldn't imagine not being able to care for them. We support you Ashley.
ReplyDeleteI think you are truly an angel and a blessing to this community. I will start my recurring donation this coming up Friday. God bless you and all those sweet babies.
ReplyDeleteSponsored a dog for 5 days. I know how hard it is, I used to do rescue in Georgia. I have 3 rescues of my own now and am glad I can help someone "on the front lines".
ReplyDeletedogpak@charter.net
Thank you so much for everything you do. I sent a small donation, it's all I can afford right now, but I know that good people like you will ultimately see success.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered making an Amazon wishlist? It might be a convenient way to receive food, toys, and other supplies that you specifically need. :)
ReplyDeleteI will next week when Im paid!!!
ReplyDeleteDonation DONE! KEEP IT UP! As soon as I buy my house you can count me IN as a foster mommy!
ReplyDeleteAww hun I wish you lived closer I would have fostered for you for a week to open up a space for paying customers, sending a donation your way.
ReplyDeleteFriday, aka payday, I'll send you a donation! Until then, I'll share this with as many people as I can possibly find!
ReplyDeleteI will donate and I may be able to foster for you too. I sent an email to your gmail account re: a 13 year old Rottie a while back. If you would like to contact me, use that address. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI want to have a fundraiser for Lucky Dog Rescue. I am an independent Avon rep and I can do a fundraiser online and all profit (50%) will go to Lucky Dog. Everyone can order online, pay online and have it delivered to your home. Avon will handle all the money details and will send monies to Ashley. Go to youravon.com/paulaavery, register and do some Christmas shopping. Not only will you have less stress at Christmas, Ashley will have peace of mind and money to continue her wonderful work saving precious dogs. Thank you in advance for helping Ashley and her rescue dogs.
ReplyDeleteAshley, if we didn't live all the way north in Illinois, we'd take a dog or two for you for a week. But since we can't, I've set up my paypal account to send you $25 every month. It's not much, but I hope it will help.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I just donated for a weeks worth. Pleaseeeee keep doing what you are doing. "But for the grace of God go I.." I WANT to do what you are doing, but I don't have the BALLS like you do!!! Hang in there sister... BIG LOVE!!!! ~ Brandee K. (and my menagerie of rescued furbaby kitties :o))
ReplyDeleteHey Ashley - I'm all set up for ongoing monthly donations. My donations will be sent to you indefinitely. :-)
ReplyDeletePaula Avery---How do I order from you so Ashley gets the fundraising money? Is there a special link on your Avon website?
ReplyDeleteSadly, I am a starving college student so I can't offer much, but I will offer my prayers and I will put this on my Facebook. I have a rescue pup her name is Willow and she is a husky wolf mix. She has been such a beautiful blessing to me and the best hiking partner anyone could ever ask for. I know that you will make it through so that you can continue to give people the best blessing they could ask for - a rescue pup! You and your pup family are in my prayers! Thank you for everything that you have done to change lives and WILL continue to do. Joshua 1:9.
ReplyDeleteAshley, as you see above, many many people admire you and all the work you do. I myself am a very big fan of yours.One day my sister and I hope to have a business just like yours. Were from Michigan and there are so many here that need our love. Ive always had this dream, but thanks to you and pet pardons, I am finally taking some small steps toward that dream. Sadly, I cannot donate at this time but I will make a donation in the future. Christmas is just around the corner, and you have many pups that need presents to open on Christmas morning :) by then I will have the fund to donate as much as I can. thank you for being such an angel, GOD BLESS YOU :)
ReplyDeleteI sent you money for 7 day boarding. Hope it helps. God bless you for what you're doing! Monika
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteSent a donation - not much but just got laid off and adopted a 4 yr old great dane in the same week - she is my 5th rescue so far with the hopes of more in the future. Wish I was closer to help out with fostering. Have sent this onto to many friends who I hope will help - Eliot ME
If I lived closer, I'd foster in a heartbeat! Sadly I doubt shipping a dog to Michigan would help much. I have my ongoing donation set up, and when I get my next check I'll send you a check. for all you do, and the amazing woman you are. Love ya! ~Allana W.
ReplyDeleteAshley- Our human "mom" let us collect our doggie bones for a small amount to donate. We hope it helps! :) We will try real soon to get some more dug up for you!
ReplyDeleteLove rescue dogs: Simon (found me on the freeway!), Hannah (given away at a gas station!), Coco (returned to rescue group as my owner died from cancer and our foster mom decided she couldn't adopt me out!), and Amy ( I only have one good eye and no one wanted me but my foster mama!)
Don't worry, Ashley. We're all in this with you and we're not going to leave you stranded. We got your back.
ReplyDeleteWe were burgled last week and they took just about everything, but thankfully not our dog, who we got from a rescue.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't donate much but I've sent something over paypal.
I hope you now realise from the response you got how much people think of you, not just in America but worldwide. I'm from the UK.
I've donated and shared this story on Facebook! How much have you managed to raise so far?
ReplyDeleteDonated $140 for a week's boarding and also SHARED on my FB page.
ReplyDeleteIf there is anything else I can do, please let me know!
Les, Barkleya and Bogey aka the B Boyz.
I saw on Pet Pardon that you have reached you Gold for this month--- the $3500..What's next another one for Christmas...
ReplyDeleteAshley you are Blessed to have so many Friends That are there for YOU.....
Way to go everyone~~~$3,627.05 Donated so far....
ReplyDeleteHI Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find a spot to email you privately so hopefully this gets to you. I made a donation yesterday, then had my husband process it through his employer (Microsoft) for matching funds. YOu will get a notification from Microsoft asking if you got the donation. Please reply. They will then mail you a check matching my donation.
Pamela Cay Devin
I cant afford a lot but I signed on to donate $10 a month. And if I can do more, I will make a one time donation this weekend. What you do is nothing short of heroic and I hope you reach your goals.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCheck will be in the mail tomorrow to sponsor one lucky dog for 7 days of boarding fees. Wish I could do more and I know you will find a way to keep giving the wonderful gift of life for these beautiful, sweet little loves.
ReplyDeleteWe are dog lovers! We have a friendly rescued Chiweenie (aka German Taco or Mexican Hot Dog) called Auggie. He loves to play with other dogs and has a lot of energy. His favorite things to do include: going for walks, chasing balls, napping and making new friends.
ReplyDeleteSanta Monica Dog Boarding
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