Although the number of medical cases has increased dramatically since this video was shot, it is an excellent primer on Kitu's Fund and it's origins.
Donate to Kitu's Fund to help cover high-cost medical treatments
Help Rescue Ranch and community dogs receive the urgent medical attention they need to survive and have the best quality of life possible. Kitu’s Fund is supported entirely by donations. Therefore, the more donations it receives, the more dogs we can help.
Veterinary care gets very expensive very quickly, for both dog owners and rescue organizations. Lifesaving procedures and medications can run in the thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars. They're also often unpredictable and difficult to plan for, especially when it comes to emergencies.
This special medical fund was seeded by a generous gift from the Arthur R. Dubs Foundation. The Foundation’s help has been instrumental in our ability to provide emergency and necessary high-cost veterinary care to the wonderful dogs served by the fund. We're deeply grateful for the foundation's support.
How it Works
Kitu’s Fund has a dual purpose. It is both an emergency and high-cost medical fund for Rescue Ranch and a no-interest community loan program.
- In the first instance, the fund helps Rescue Ranch dogs: Some of our dogs have physical trauma, some are diagnosed with cancer, while others require heartworm treatments or extensive dental care. These special dogs need our help, but their medical costs are beyond what we can afford without additional funds.
- In the second instance, it's a community no-interest loan program: Community members can apply for a no-interest loan to cover emergency and/or high-cost veterinary care. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Loan repayment is based on the applicant’s unique financial situation.
Kitu, the dog that inspired it all
In April 2015, a young husky-German shepherd pup was struck by a car and left to die on the side of the road. Siskiyou County Animal Control officers picked him up and saw to his immediate needs. County staff didn’t have the time, resources, or facilities to care for him, and so they called Rescue Ranch.
Our staff and volunteers stepped in to help with Kitu’s bandage changes, provide good nutrition, and get him seen by a vet. His injuries were numerous. They included poorly healed pelvis and vertebrae fractures from a previous injury. His new injuries consisted of a leg broken at the hip joint and broken toes on his right front paw.
We can only imagine the full and tragic extent of Kitu’s story, but seeing him now, you would never imagine the trauma he went through. He is a friendly dog with a very gentle disposition.
After undergoing extensive surgery and rehab, Kitu became a happy, energetic boy with a big smile and a helicopter tail wag for everyone. He even turned out to be an incredible nanny to puppies in foster care. It was Kitu’s buoyant “can do” attitude and positive personality that inspired “Kitu’s Fund.”
Kitu, six years later
Kitu says thanks!
