I am writing to you to draw attention to an urgent matter affecting our beloved community and the well-being of countless animals: the critical financial needs of Nuzzles & Co. Animal Rescue.
As a dedicated animal rescue organization located in Park City, Nuzzles offers a refuge for homeless, abandoned and neglected dogs and cats. However, the increasing influx of animals has created an overwhelming strain on our resources, making it essential for the community to come together to support this noble cause.
Nuzzles & Co. currently rescues over 1,000 animals each year, and this number continues to climb. Each animal that enters our care comes with its own set of needs — medical, nutritional, emotional and behavioral.
The average cost of caring for each animal can be staggering. According to recent statistics, the daily care for a single dog can average anywhere from $20 to $30, while cats often incur an average of $15 to $25 per day. This expense includes food, shelter, veterinary care and behavioral training. When multiplied by the number of animals Nuzzles rescues, these costs quickly escalate into the thousands.
In 2023 alone, Nuzzles spent more than $300,000 on medical care, food supplies and facility maintenance. With the costs steadily rising, the organization is struggling to keep pace with its financial obligations. With the majority of the funding stemming from donations and volunteer efforts, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain a high level of care for each animal in need. As more animals enter our shelter, the stress on our financial resources mounts, putting both the organization and the animals at risk.
Moreover, the broader community benefits from the work Nuzzles does. Our efforts not only help homeless animals find loving homes, but also contribute to public health and safety. By reducing the population of stray and neglected pets, we are decreasing potential public health risks and ensuring that our neighborhood remains safe and welcoming for all residents and their pets. The stability of our community lies in the well-being of its animals.
In addition to financial donations, Nuzzles welcomes support in various forms — volunteers, foster homes, and in-kind donations for food, medical supplies, and other essentials.
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, dedicating their time to the well-being of the animals and assisting with operations. However, the requirement for more active volunteers has never been more crucial. With the increase in rescued animals, Nuzzles finds itself in need of additional hands for feeding, walking, training and simply providing companionship.
Furthermore, fostering is a viable solution for those who may not be able to commit to adopting a pet outright. By offering temporary homes to animals, fosters help to alleviate space issues in the shelter while providing critical socialization and love to animals who have experienced trauma. Several of our successful adoptions can be attributed to the diligent efforts of foster families willing to provide care until a more permanent solution is found.
The situation at Nuzzles is a call to action for us all. As a community, we have an opportunity to make a difference, to not only address the needs of these innocent animals but also to strengthen the community spirit that makes Park City a wonderful place to live. I urge every resident to consider donating funds, time, or supplies to support Nuzzles & Co. Animal Rescue in its mission to ensure that every animal receives the care it deserves.
Please join me in supporting this local treasure. Whether it is a financial contribution, volunteering, or spreading the word about the need for foster homes, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Nuzzles continues to provide hope and a second chance to the countless animals that walk through their doors.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Ingrid Middleton
Park City