Part of our mission is to raise up our participants by helping to provide much needed services and support when there is a dire situation that threatens to adversely affect their health or well-being. Far too often these people experience food insecurity, barriers to employment and healthcare, discrimination, homelessness, violence and isolation. This is an important part of our fundraising efforts, and we will share stories here of how your donations have helped our amazing participants. By donating and sharing what we do - you're helping all of these wonderful humans and their rescue dogs!  

AURORA AND TWINEY

Aurora and Twiney were the first beneficiaries of support through the Project, which was originally called the DYWM Rescue Grant. Aurora is a refugee trans woman living in Toronto, and DYWM - with the help of Save our Scruff and Friends of Ruby - facilitated her adoption of Twiney, when she craved an anchor - a dog, someone to love and care for. Far more than basic financial aid, we're providing a complete practical and emotional toolkit to help Aurora and Twiney. Along with the wonderful community sponsors below, we'll continue to provide them with dog food, accessories, vet care and mental health services for 3 years.  

Aurora speaks: (this is an excerpt - read the rest of her story on our Stories page)
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"I heard about the Don't You Want Me Rescue Grant through Friends of Ruby and applied straight away. I’d always had a dog by my side in my ‘old’ life. Twiney bounced into my life in April this year and changed everything. I started going out for walks in nature again; I started being responsible. I had a routine and I was looking after someone else's life. Adopting Twiney and transitioning have been the two best decisions I have ever made. Of course not everything is perfect (not yet anyway). I still need to find work and build a family here for us. For both myself and Twiney, Canada has given us not only our freedom, but undoubtedly our lives."
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IN-KIND SPONSORS SUPPORTING AURORA AND TWINEY

Friends of Ruby: LGBTQI2S mental health organization; counseling and support
Save our Scruff: adoption agency; waiving adoption fees and providing ongoing support
NOOD Pet Food: natural pet food; donating 3 years of dog food
Doggy Dates Toronto: dog walking and pet photography; donating dog walking
Small Wonders: pet shop; donating $20/mo of treats
Dogtopia: pet care services; donating grooming services, daycare and training (Bloor West location)
Balmy Beach Pet Hospital: pet hospital; covering 50% of veterinary fees