Join the Game, Save a Life!
At Play For A Stray, rescuing a dog has never been more enjoyable! For every 50 registrations, we save a dog at risk of euthanasia from one of our overcrowded Bay Area shelters. Click the link below to find a program near you. Let’s make a difference together!
Help us bring clarity to this picture and save a life!
Play For A Stray is a partnership between Skyhawks East Bay North and For A Stray Dog Rescue. Play For A Stray offers a variety of youth sports programs to raise money for our dog rescue mission. For every 50 registrations through the For A Stray website, we rescue a shelter dog at risk of euthanasia from one of our local overcrowded rescues.
Our Mission: To combat dog cruelty and reduce euthanasia rates.
How We Help: We support local shelters and rescue groups:
- Local Shelters: Many shelters lack the space to accommodate the growing number of abandoned dogs since the pandemic began. Tragically, perfectly adoptable dogs are being euthanized weekly because shelters cannot house them.
- Rescue Groups: Across California, rescue groups are doing their best to alleviate the situation, but they are overwhelmed by the constant influx of dogs. These groups struggle to keep their operations running and urgently need funding and volunteers to continue their crucial work.
Why Are Things So Bad?
- Irresponsible Dog Breeding: During the pandemic, dog breeding became lucrative as more people sought companionship at home. As life returned to normal, the demand for dogs decreased, but breeding continued at high levels. This surplus has led to irresponsible owners abandoning their dogs in shelters and on the streets.
- Negligent Dog Owners: It is disheartening to see individuals adopt dogs only to abandon them once life returns to normal. Many dogs have been returned to shelters as people resume work or travel plans that no longer accommodate their pets.
- Housing Market Issues: Owning a dog, especially a large breed, is typically easier for homeowners than renters. Yet, rising housing costs mean that more Californians are renting from corporations focused on profit, often requiring landlords’ permission to have pets. This puts dog-loving renters in a difficult position.
- Economic Recession: Add an economic downturn and soaring inflation, and many families find that caring for a new pet is no longer feasible. When budgets tighten, public charities like dog rescues suffer due to decreased donations, volunteers, sponsorships, and grants.
Combining these factors creates a perfect storm leading to a canine crisis, leaving our loyal companions to endure the consequences.
Our Solution: We aim to revolutionize dog rescue fundraising by thinking creatively and offering ways for individuals and families to support rescue efforts while obtaining goods and services they need. This initiative gave rise to **Play For A Stray**.
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Rescue Success Stories
