Rescue the Rescue!

Me at the Guinea Pig Hoedown

Remember when I went to the guinea pig hoedown earlier this year? Here’s a link to my blog post about it. Anyway, I had a great time, met some wonderful people and was stunned with the incredible variety of adorable guinea pigs.  But today I got a very sad email that I am going to share with you. Maybe some of you will be able to help out. I would sure hate for all those guinea pigs to remain homeless and for me to have no hoedown to attend next year.

Thanks,

Caplin Rous

Dear Friend of Texas Rustlers,

When Tony and Julia Hinrichs founded Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue in 2001, they began the organization in their home with aspirations of one day moving the operation into a separate building equipped with meeting areas, warehouse space, and room to house the many guinea pigs the rescue cares for under one roof. For the past eight years it has been simply a dream. In the past month, it has now become a vital necessity in order to keep the rescue alive.

Last month, after eight months of doctor visits and numerous tests, Tony was diagnosed with a malignant pancreatic endocrine tumor (or pancreatic tumor). He is currently pursuing treatment and had surgery August 30th, followed by a long recuperative process. We do not know what the future holds, and may not for a long while, but we do know that the rescue cannot continue to operate in Tony and Julia’s home. They simply cannot do it alone, and need help.

Several Texas Rustlers stakeholders have taken in additional foster animals, and have been performing additional duties to care for the remaining animals at Tony and Julia’s home. In addition, we have stopped taking in new guinea pig surrenders until we are through this tough time. Although this has helped, it is not a long term solution, as animals need to be at the rescue in order to be adopted. Because of this need, we have been searching for a commercial property in which all the animals can live, where we can conduct adoptions and sell supplies, and our wonderful staff of volunteers can maintain a positive atmosphere in order to continue our mission. We believe we have found that place, and we are now asking for your help to help obtain it.

Would you be willing to commit to a monthly tax-deductible donation in order for us to secure a lease and begin our operations in a new facility? If all our supporters, from regular supplies customers to Hoedown attendees, gave just a few dollars a month, we would be able to fill not only Tony and Julia’s dreams, but the dreams of all our dedicated volunteers. Our fundraising goal for the first year is $2,000 per month. If we do not meet our fundraising goal, we are fearful we will have to cease operations, including the sale of supplies. We want to continue with that, and also want to once again begin taking in additional guinea pigs.

Although the amount may seem like a lot, if just 100 patrons donate $20 each per month, our goal will be met. Alternatively, since times are tough for many, a one-time donation is also welcome. We have continued our operations during the shortfalls of the current recession without hesitation, but the time has come to ask for help.

If you would like to make a donation you may do so by completing the attached form or by visiting our website www.theguineapigrescue.com

Thank you