SEPRA closing to intake for a little while :(

We've posted this publicly now. I am so sad to do this, but it's a necessity for now.

To: Members of the SEPRA family
From: SEPRA Board of Directors
Re: State of SEPRA

Dear Friends:

You are receiving this message because of your support of SEPRA in the past, either through volunteering, adopting, participating in Pugfest, or financial support. Over the last 3 years, SEPRA has struggled, as many rescue organizations have, to keep up with the influx of Pugs and Pug Mixes needing rescue. The economy has caused folks to lose their jobs, or homes, many times at the detriment of their pets--pet owners to forgo routine veterinary care, heartworm medication, anything, just to keep going. Eventually, it ends up with a call to SEPRA begging us to take their dogs. Backyard breeders realize the business is no longer profitable, so they want to “get rid of their breeding stock”. Shelters are busting at the seams. The dogs coming in to SEPRA are older, sicker, and the families willing to adopt, are fewer and far between. Only through the efforts of a small group of dedicated volunteers has SEPRA been able to hold everything together.

Due to other rescues closing, we now cover Georgia, Alabama, North Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois, and we are the only Pug rescue in that coverage area that will take a Pug Mix. We have almost 60 dogs in foster care with a waiting list of 10-15 dogs waiting for an opening. We find ourselves in financial trouble. As of last week, we owe American Express $20,000.00 for Veterinary bills. We have never been in this situation before. Last week the board decided that we will close to all dogs coming in, whether they are owner surrender or a dog in a high kill shelter. We will concentrate on getting the dogs we have healthy and adopted. We are hoping to be able to actively take dogs again in August.

We need your help—what kind? For the following:

• To take on the organization of a fundraising project,
• To scour the internet for grant opportunities,
• To transport dogs to the Vet during the day, or to foster homes
• To be a foster home—even for the interim
• To adopt a senior or special needs dog
• To donate cash


We need your help to survive, that is the bottom line. Please contact us via info@rescuepug.com if you are willing to take on the challenge, donations can be made via the SEPRA website.

From the bottom of our hearts we appreciate so much what you have done for us in the past, and we know that if we band together, we can get through these tough times.

Sincerely,

SEPRA Board of Directors

I'm sorry, Brenda. It's a really hard decision to make, but is the right one. And if people understood how often rescues are on the brink, maybe they'd be more understanding. I don't know. The well isn't bottomless.

We aren't anywhere near as big as you guys and I've just closed intake as I have no room and no where to board dogs right now. And many of my foster homes, me included, are exhausted and really need a break.

And we are also seeing whole litters of dogs--pugs and pug mixes--being dumped in shelters and rescues as the millers/farmers and backyard breeders can't sell them.

I'm sorry Brenda. We've been close to the brink lately, and like you, we just can't adopt out the seniors and special needs...which leaves very little room for incomings. Things are getting worse and worse out there. I hope you guys get the help you need!

We haven't had an application in months. Not even a reject application. I have been paying for Peachy's hospice expenses because pugs aren't moving. So sorry you guys have to do this.

Saira wrote:I'm sorry Brenda. We've been close to the brink lately, and like you, we just can't adopt out the seniors and special needs...which leaves very little room for incomings. Things are getting worse and worse out there. I hope you guys get the help you need!

And sadly, what people define as special needs seems to be any pug that requires any attention at all--at least up here.

Can't feed the dog dry kibble? Then no apps. Needs to have some monitoring around marking? Then no apps.

I've had three applications for Luke. All of them inappropriate and two of the three don't even meet the posted adopter requirements. Unfenced yard, BIG dogs (not with Luke), and expecting a baby in August. And he is by no means a difficult dog. Just can't be living with big dogs right now and maybe never and isn't a dog that can cope with the dog park right now (maybe never). but he's young, healthy and has a great temperament.

Brenda - I know it was a tough decision. I reposted it in case some of my friends can help out. I'll make a donation come pay day - may not much, but I'm sure every bit will help.

I am sorry to hear this. I shared the news on my page as well.

I hate, hate, hate how dogs are so easily trashed!!!!

I wish I could help!

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that! (And no, not just because it will put more stress on MAPR!) I really like the letter that was sent out, though. I think it did a straightforward but tactful job of letting people know how they can truly help. I hope that things turn around soon-- I've always been in awe of how huge of a region SEPRA serves. Y'all do a great job!

I'm so sorry to hear this. What a difficult decision.

I'm so sorry.

I'm really sorry to hear this Brenda. We're a tiny group compared to SEPRA but we've got several sick/old/special needs dogs in foster care right now (that aren't moving anytime soon), no applications coming in, & a wait list for incoming pugs as well. I wish that I could send something to help out but like Rebecca, I've had to start covering the bills for my hospice & foster dogs until we can get our feet back under us. I'll be praying for all of us to win the lottery or something soon!

I am so sorry to read this. I saw it on FB too. A desperately tough decision, but the right one, given the circumstances.
I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say that our hearts break for the pugs you are presently unable to help, as well as for you dedicated and distressed rescue workers who are hating being unable to help. I truly hope that things will improve for SEPRA before too long.