December is the month when many of us find ourselves thinking about giving—giving to our families, our friends, and to the causes that matter most in our hearts. At Barb’s Dog Rescue, this time of year reminds us that the most meaningful gifts don’t always come wrapped in shiny paper or tied with big bows. In fact, most of our dogs would prefer something they can chew on, sleep on, or roll in! Something people might not be aware of: everything we have – EVERY. SINGLE. THING. – comes from donations. There’s no magical money tree out back, darn it (we checked)! What we DO have is a community of incredibly generous people who keep our mission alive, one donated blanket or bag of food at a time.
Your donations don’t need to be new, expensive, or picture-perfect. In fact, some of the most appreciated gifts come in the form of items that no longer have a use in your home but mean comfort and security for a dog who has never had much of either. A blanket you no longer need becomes warmth for a dog on a chilly night. A towel that’s been tucked in a closet becomes a bath time essential for a pup getting cleaned up for adoption. A gently used toy becomes entertainment and comfort for a dog who may be experiencing joy for the first time in its life. Giving feels good. Really good. We highly recommend lingering for a bit after you drop things off. Wander around. Greet a few dogs. Receive a free “thank you” nose bop or a tail wag that could power a small village. Trust us – you will walk out smiling, and maybe even plotting how to gently convince your family that one more dog would fit perfectly into your home. (We support this thinking!)
Now, for some exciting news to warm your holiday spirit even more: Barb’s Dog Rescue is opening a sister location in the Valley!
Barb’s Dog Rescue AZ mirrors all the things that make our Rocky Point rescue so special and honors the Spanish flair of our homeland! You’ll have to see it to truly appreciate this magical new space. Barb’s Dog Rescue in Arizona is also accepting your donated items, and we’re thrilled to announce that our Arizona location also has a thrift store – something Barb always dreamed of. Come visit us at 8028 W Thunderbird Rd. and donate items for the dogs and/or goodies for our resale boutique (donation receipts provided)!
As you make your holiday lists this year, think about adding a little something for the dogs. A toy, a bag of food, a used blanket, or that stack of towels you’ve been threatening to reorganize – you have no idea how much joy these simple items bring. Your gifts fill more than shelves; they fill bellies, warm bodies, and spark hope. They turn “street dogs” into “safe dogs,” then into “loved dogs,” and ultimately into “forever family dogs.”
From our hearts – and from several hundred wagging tails – thank you for being part of their journey. May your holidays be full of joy, kindness, and maybe even a few muddy paw prints.
Caption: World, meet our handsome Christmas Angel, Peque. He’s about four years old, and he hasn’t had it easy. He’s receiving love and nutritious food here at Barb’s Dog Rescue, and there are only good days ahead for this precious guy. Meet him here at BDR!
