Angels for the Animals 2025!

Believe it or not, our annual Angels for the Animals’ fundraising effort is now in its 16th year, and we are in full swing! It is hard to believe that another year has flown by so fast! Over the past few months, I have been working every day to create amusing and beautiful gift items to sell so I can help the animals.

People who are not familiar with the time and effort I put into this worthwhile mission each year always ask, “Why are you so committed to helping the animals?” For me, it’s not that complicated. It just amounts to filling a basic, meaningful need, and I get so much satisfaction from doing it.

Here’s my backstory in case you haven’t heard it before…

About fifteen years ago. I read an article in The Seattle Times that mentioned many dogs were being rescued from puppy mills. The woman interviewed in the story, who was leading this rescue program, was Ginger Luke, founder of Ginger’s Pet Rescue. I immediately called her and asked if I could help out in any way. “Yes, we can definitely use your help, she said. Please meet me this coming Thursday, as we are bringing in a truckload of dogs from a puppy mill. I’ll give you the address. Meet me and the rest of the volunteers in the parking lot.”

When I arrived, I had knots in my stomach, excited but nervous to help. After about 10 minutes, a large truck drove up and parked. Ginger lined up all of her volunteers and asked us to climb into the car and carefully unload one kennel at a time because most of the dogs are extremely frightened.

When my turn came...

I jumped into the truck and found a kennel with a small, white poodle huddled in the corner. Ginger hollered, “Take the dog out very gently because he is terrified!” I placed the kennel on the ground and opened its door. I gently slid my hand towards the dog and offered him a small piece of boiled chicken. Surprisingly, the dog did not move toward me. I cuddled my hands around his body and gently lifted him out of the kennel. After I placed him on the ground, he let out a loud “yelp” because he couldn't stand on his own. I immediately ran and asked Ginger to come and see what was wrong. Ginger looked at the whimpering dog and said, “Oh my god, his legs are broken! He’s been kept in the crate too long and his leg bones have given out! He has to be taken to the vet immediately!” At her direction, a senior volunteer quickly whisked the dog to an animal veterinarian.

As I sat there, stunned, another crate came off the truck, and there was a sick, pregnant terrier dog in the crate. It was hard to look at. Ginger then approached the dog, checked her out, and said, “ This dog is sick! I think she has dead puppies in her stomach!” I tearfully watched as this dog was also driven to the veterinarian’s office.

By this time...

I was feeling faint and had a queasy stomach. Knowing what was probably going to happen next, I quickly ran and found a bathroom, where I vomited. This was too much for me to handle! I never imagined that helping puppy mill dogs would be so terrible and upsetting.

Afterwards, I looked for Ginger, who was still busy helping other dogs. Apologetically, I told her I couldn’t stay and left abruptly. At the time, I felt terrible and like a coward because I did not have the strength to help with this hands-on rescue process when it was so badly needed.

The next day...

I called Ginger and apologized for my lackluster efforts to help her. She said, “Kay, I understand. Not everyone can do this kind of work. But there are other things you can do to help the animals.” I asked her, “What else can I do to support you?” Ginger replied, “We currently owe over $20,000 in veterinary bills. Yesterday, you saw firsthand how seriously the dogs needed medical care. You are a successful businesswoman. Can you help us raise money for a portion of their medical care?”

That was all I needed to hear...

I committed myself to do just that! I am proud to say that this is my 16^th year in raising money for the dogs through my “Angels for the Animals” fundraising event. No matter how you choose to contribute to our cause, remember that we can all be Angels for the many animals in need. Thank you in advance for all your support!

This year, proceeds will be donated to Ginger’s Pet Rescue. This organization rescued my dog Momo from a Korean dog meat market four years ago. I am grateful to have been the lucky person to have sweet Momo in my life.

Bring family, friends, and neighbors!

If you live in the area, please stop by and help our cause. You can purchase fantastic handmade gifts for yourself or for the holidays.   

Your support will mean much to me.

PS- I will show you how you can participate in the following email.