GIVING BACK

Comforting Creatures

8 Animal Organizations

by TARA MENDANHA

When our animal friends need help, these local heroes come to the rescue. Read on to learn about the amazing work they do and find out how you can help.

Ride to Walk enhances the lives of children and young adults with neurological disabilities—like brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, autism, ADD, and genetic disorders—by providing innovative, therapeutic horseback riding activities on a beautiful ranch. WAYS TO HELP: Volunteer at their riding program, walking alongside and stabilizing riders as they work on goals with a physical therapist; make a donation; serve on the board of directors or join their fundraising/ event planning committees. 1630 CA-193, Lincoln, 916-434-0693, ridetowalk.org

Fat Kitty City Humane Society is

dedicated to ending needless animal suffering through adopting, spaying, neutering, socializing, and more. They operate daily and focus on cats and kittens, in addation to helping with canine rescue and adoption. Their one-of-a-kind “Fat Kitty City” sanctuary is the only outdoor one in Northern California and sits on a 20-acre tree-studded property. WAYS TO HELP: Visit their website to help with their wish list, sponsor a kitty, foster a pet, and/or adopt. El Dorado Hills, 926-9393418, fatkittycity.org Sierra Wildlife Rescue’s mission is

to preserve El Dorado County’s wildlife by rehabilitating injured and orphaned native animal species and releasing them back into the wild; and providing education programs to schools, community organizations, and the public on wildlife conservation. They run a baby bird nursery, rehabilitate other birds and mammals, and conduct education and training classes. WAYS TO HELP: Volunteer to help feed the baby birds, prepare meals for the next day, or manage computer records. Donations are also appreciated. 777 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs, 530-621-4661, sierrawildliferescue.org

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is not

just a zoo but also a sanctuary housing domestic and wild animals who are orphaned, have life-threatening injuries, were illegal or discarded, or suffered abuse and neglect. The zoo provides a caring forever home with the mission to teach responsible behavior toward all animals through interactive and fun learning opportunities and outreach activities for all ages.

WAYS TO HELP: Support the Friends of Folsom Zoo Sanctuary nonprofit through donations, volunteer work, fundraising, sponsorships, helping with their online and in-store registries, and more. 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, 916-226-5445, folsomzoofriends.org

RRUFF (Rocklin Residents Unite For Fido) Dog Park & Healing Heroes serves

disabled veterans and the canine community through their RRUFF Dog Park and Healing Heroes program that funds the cost of service dog training for disabled veterans. Their off-leash park is open daily and a special needs area provides service dog training, rescue group adoption events, specific breed meet-up groups, and special dog events. WAYS TO HELP: Support the Healing Heroes program, become a “pooch partner,” or volunteer at the dog park. 5480 5th Street, Rocklin, 415-806-2778, rruffhealingheroes.org Placer SPCA houses up to 4,000 homeless animals each year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets. They treat sick animals, offer adoption counselling, spay and neuter assistance, foster care, rescue efforts, mobile adoption, and community service opportunities. They also have a pet food pantry and SOS program, which offers financial assistance to help locals keep their pets through difficult times. Their virtual Stand Pup Comedy Night (July 27) will feature performers from America’s Got Talent, Comedy Central, and Conan. WAYS TO HELP: Aside from donations and items from their wish list, you can sign up to become a kitten foster volunteer where Placer SPCA provides gear and training to care for bottle-fed kittens. 200 Tahoe Avenue, Roseville, 916-782-7722; 1482 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, 530-823-7722, placerspca.org

The Ranch is an animal sanctuary that also provides educational experiences and community outreach. They house unwanted pets and animals and provide medical care, rehabilitation, and training. Animals are offered up for adoption or retained as animal ambassadors. Educational programs include a kids’ camp (beginning July 13), as well as community partnerships and outreach programs for at-risk youth, seniors, and special needs families. WAYS TO HELP: Support The Ranch by visiting on the first Saturday and third Sunday of each month. You can also sponsor an animal or donate to support a monthly feed bill, medical assistance, and more. El Dorado, 530-558-0140, attheranch.org

All About Equine Animal Rescue

rehabilitates abused, abandoned, and slaughter-bound animals (primarily equines). They also have equine-based education and activities, including kids’ camps, low-cost dental and gelding clinics, pony parties, therapy, veterans’ programs, and more. Their Boots & Bling event (August 21) will have a BBQ dinner, auctions, dancing, and more. WAYS TO HELP: Volunteer at the barn, work at their used tack store, or take up event organization, maintenance, social media, etc. Donations, partnerships, foster care, and horse sponsorships are also encouraged. El Dorado Hills (moving to Pilot Hill soon), 916520-4223, allaboutequine.org