EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- A pet focused non-profit is celebrating a decade of success in helping local dogs and cats stay alive, out of shelters and in Oregon homes. Shelter Animal Resource Alliance, also known as S.A.R.A., held its 10 year anniversary party and fundraiser Sunday afternoon, July 17th, 2011 at its Eugene thrift store on River Road.
The group started a decade ago by rehabilitating cats and dogs with serious health problems that would have otherwise been euthanized in local animal shelters across Western Oregon.
Much of S.A.R.A.'s work today focuses on keeping animals in the homes of people who are considering getting rid of them for various reasons. The non-profit offers both financial assistance for struggling pet owners, also in-home animal problem solving.
In 10 years of service in Lane County, S.A.R.A. has saved around 1000 dogs and 800 cats from being euthanized.
“Never give up, you know, you take them in as your family members and they're not disposable,” says Melinda McCormick, co-executive director of S.A.R.A.
“You know, nobody would give up their 3-year-old, why would you give up your cat? So we just want people to know that there's way that you can keep them, even in our tough financial times, there are people out there who can help,” says McCormick.
S.A.R.A. mainly works with cats right now, but is in the process of rebuilding its dog adoption program and looking for a new coordinator.
One of the group's biggest success stories is with a 5-month old Pit-mix rescued from Linn County animal control. The dog was discovered to have Parvo, but successfully recovered from the illness with medical treatment coordinated through S.A.R.A. and donations from local veterinarians.
For more information about S.A.R.A., visit the group's website at the following link: http://www.sarasavesanimals.org/.
